Modular form tube and clamp system

ABSTRACT

A clamping device is configured to clamp adjacent modular form members to one another. The clamping device includes an elongated bar and a pair of clamps mounted on the bar. A plurality of gusset plates are disposed on and protrude outwardly from the bar to complementarily engage the perimeter frames of the modular form members. The jaws of the clamps retain the perimeter frames of the adjacent modular form members against the bar, which clamps the form members to one another and retains them in a flush orientation with one another. The bar is generally channel shaped and includes a pair of reentrant legs adjacent a throat. A number of auxiliary attachments are cooperably mountable on the bar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part application ofU.S. application Ser. No. 09/759,895, which was filed on Jan. 12, 2001,the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to modular form systemsfor the pouring of concrete walls and other structures and, moreparticularly, relates to a clamping device for clamping modular formmembers with one another. Specifically, the invention relates to aclamping device that can clamp one or more modular form members to atube that is shaped to complementarily receive the modular form memberand that is comparable with auxiliary attachments for the building of awall form into which uncured concrete can be poured to form a concretewall.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Concrete is a well-known building material that has been used formany years. Once particular use of concrete is in the formation ofpoured concrete walls whereby a hollow form is assembled at a desiredlocation, with concrete then being poured into the form and allowed toharden or cure. As is known in the relevant art, one type of formincludes a plurality of panels that are each formed with a retentionsurface. The panels are affixed to one another such that the retentionsurfaces together provide an interior surface and an exterior surfacethat will retain the uncured concrete and that will define the interiorand exterior surfaces of the finished concrete wall. Once the pouredconcrete has cured, the panels are disassembled and removed from thewall and are reused in other applications to build other such walls.While such known modular form systems have been at least moderatelysuccessful for their intended purposes, such known systems have not,however, been without limitations.

[0006] Such known concrete modular form systems are labor-intensive toassemble as well as to disassemble after the wall has been formed.Moreover, the formation of walls using known modular form systems isexpensive in terms of assembly components that remain disposed in thefinished wall and thus cannot be reused.

[0007] The modular form members typically include a perimeter frame thatis formed with a number of slots that receive wedge bolts and/or tiemembers for assembling the modular form members into a wall form. As isknown in the relevant art, wedge bolts typically are roughly triangularplates formed with a longitudinally extending slot. One way in whichwedge bolts can be used to assemble adjacent form members to one anotheris to align the slots of the adjacent perimeter frames and to receive afirst wedge bolt in the aligned slots until the wedge bolt is wedgedtherein. A second wedge bolt is then received in the slot formed in thefirst wedge bolt to compress the form members against one another. Suchassembly practices require the use of numerous such wedge bolts thatoften must be assembled and disassembled with a hammer, which isextremely time consuming and thus is costly in terms of labor.

[0008] Tie members are employed to extend between the form members thatwill form the interior surface of the wall and the form members thatwill form the exterior surface of the wall, as well as for otherpurposes. Such tie members extend directly between opposed pairs ofaligned form members and other structures and thus ultimately aredisposed within the concrete when the concrete is poured as well asafter curing thereof. As such, many such tie members remain disposedinternally within a cured concrete wall and thus cannot be reused. Tiemembers often are attached to the modular form members with additionalwedge bolts, which requires substantial increased labor.

[0009] After the concrete has cured and the form members are removedfrom the concrete walls, the ends of the tie members typically protrudeoutwardly from the wall and must be removed, as by snapping off theprotruding portion, which requires further labor. In this regard, it canbe seen that the use of tie members extending between the interior andexterior form members requires the attention of a laborer at both of theinterior and exterior walls for the application and removal of wedgebolts or other attachment structures.

[0010] It is thus desired to provide an improved modular form systemthat permits adjacent form members to be connected with one anotherquickly and efficiently with reduced labor required. Additionally, it isdesired to provide such an improved system that does not require theusual labor-intensive efforts to install tie members between interiorand exterior form members. Still further, it is desired to provide sucha system wherein fewer, if any, tie members remain within the concretewall after curing.

[0011] It is also known that modular form members are available indiffering heights, typically about in about the range of from three toten feet in height, and in differing widths in about the range of fromone inch to four feet. In the event that it is desired to build aconcrete wall taller than ten feet in height, it is necessary to stackcourses of modular form members on top of one another such that thecombined height of the panels provides the desired height for thefinished concrete wall. Since the assembly and disassembly of knownmodular form members is laborious and cost intensive, it is additionallydesirable to provide an improved modular form system that facilitatesthe vertical stacking of form members on top of one another to reducethe cost of erecting concrete walls that are taller than a single courseof form members.

[0012] In applications where a concrete wall is to be erected on asloping grade, such as a hill, the footer upon which the concrete wallis to be erected typically includes one or more steps to compensate forthe change in elevation. The use of known modular form members for theconstruction of a concrete wall atop such a stepped footer is extremelydifficult since the modular form members must themselves follow thestepped pattern. Known modular form members are designed to be connectedwith one another only at the same vertical height or at discrete changesin elevation. As such, the assembly of a wall form atop a stepped footerrequires substantially increased labor beyond that which would berequired for a similar wall on a horizontal footer due to the additionalmanipulation and shimming that is required. It is thus desirable that animproved modular form system be provided that would permit continuousvertical repositioning of modular form members with respect to oneanother in order to facilitate assembly of a wall form atop a steppedfooter.

[0013] In assembling a wall form out of a plurality of modular formmembers, it is often desirable to affix auxiliary structures to themodular form members for various purposes. For instance, a waler istypically affixed along a plurality of adjacent form members for thepurpose of maintaining alignment of the form members with one another aswell as for transferring the horizontal hydrostatic load of the uncuredconcrete on the form members to the ties that extend between sets ofadjacent form members. It may also be desirable to attach a catwalk tothe form members to allow workers to stand upon the catwalk whileassembling an additional course of modular form members atop theexisting form members or for other purposes. It may also be desirable toattach to one or more of the modular form members a support leg thatextends between the modular form member and the grade or other supportsurface for the purpose of supporting the modular form member in adesirable vertical orientation. It is thus desired to provide animproved modular form system that permits the attachment of suchauxiliary structures to a wall form without substantial additionallabor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In view of the foregoing, a modular concrete form system employsa clamping device to clamp adjacent modular form members to one another.The clamping device includes an elongated bar and a pair of clampsmounted on the bar, the bar being shaped to complementarily engage theperimeter frames of the modular form members. The jaws of the clampsretain the perimeter frames of the adjacent modular form members againstthe bar, which clamps the form members to one another and retains themin a flush orientation with one another.

[0015] The clamping system additionally includes a pair of clipassemblies mounted on the bar, the clip assemblies each having aslidable tie clip formed with an opening for receiving a portion of atie therein. The tie is tapered and is nominally of a circular crosssection and formed with a plurality of spaced groves at the alternateends thereof. One end of the tie is receivable in a tie hole formed inthe bar as well as in an opening of a tie clip that is aligned with thetie hole, the grooves in the end of the tie being removably lockable inthe opening. The opposite end of the tie can be similarly received inanother clamping device that is used to clamp modular form members thatwill define an opposite surface of a concrete wall. The ties aredisposed within the wall after the concrete has cured, but the ties arenevertheless removable from the cured concrete inasmuch as the ties aretapered and can be dislodged from the wall with a blow from a hammerdelivered to the narrow protruding end of the tie.

[0016] One configuration of the clamping device of the present inventionincludes an elongated bar that is generally channel shaped and thatincludes a plurality of engagement members in the form of gusset platesthat are oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar, wherebythe opposite ends of the gusset plates form the complementary surfacesthat complementarily engage corresponding surfaces on the modular formmembers. The clamping device additionally includes a connection memberthat is mounted on one end of the bar and that is configured to bereceived in a void at the other end of a similar second clamping device.

[0017] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a clampingdevice having a bar and a clamp that can clamp a modular form member tothe bar.

[0018] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a modularform system that employs ties that are tapered and removable from acured concrete wall.

[0019] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device that employs sliding tie clips formed with openings thatcan receive grooved ends of ties therein.

[0020] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device having an elongated bar that is formed tocomplementarily engage a perimeter frame of a modular form member.

[0021] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device that is compatible with and can be used in conjunctionwith existing modular form systems.

[0022] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device and a modular form system that are economical to use.

[0023] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device that improves the efficiency with which a modular formsystem can be used.

[0024] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a methodof constructing a wall form that can be used to construct a wall out ofa building material such as concrete.

[0025] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a methodof forming a wall out of a building material.

[0026] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device that can be relatively easily vertically stacked so thatmultiple courses of modular form members can be built up to enable theconstruction of concrete walls that are taller than the height of theindividual form members that are used.

[0027] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device that permits modular form members to be substantiallycontinuously repositioned along longitudinal portions of a bar of theclamping device.

[0028] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device having a bar that is generally channel shaped and thatpermits substantially continuous repositioning of auxiliary attachmentsalong longitudinal portions of the bar.

[0029] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device having a bar and a plurality of gusset plates orientedgenerally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar, the gussetplates having ends that complementarily engage corresponding surfaces onmodular form members.

[0030] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device for retaining a first modular form member in a givenorientation with respect to a second modular form member, the firstmodular form member being formed with a first indentation, the secondmodular form member being formed with a second indentation, in which thegeneral nature of the clamping device can be stated as including anelongated bar having a first surface and a second surface, at least afirst engagement member mounted on the bar, the at least firstengagement member including a first edge and a second edge, the firstedge protruding outwardly from the first surface, the second edgeprotruding outwardly from the second surface, the first edge forming afirst protrusion that is structured to be engageable with the firstindentation, and the second edge forming a second protrusion that isstructured to be engageable with the second indentation, and at least afirst clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw beingstructured to removably engage the first protrusion with the firstindentation, the second jaw being structured to removably engage thesecond protrusion with the second indentation.

[0031] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide anauxiliary attachment for use with an elongated bar formed with anelongated throat and having a pair of legs disposed on opposite sides ofthe throat, in which the general nature of the auxiliary attachment canbe stated as including a bracket and a mounting bolt having an extensionmember and a cross member, the extension member being structured toextend into the throat of the bar between the pair of legs, the crossmember being structured to engage the pair of legs to retain the bracketon the bar.

[0032] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide anauxiliary attachment for use with an elongated bar formed with anelongated throat and having a pair of legs disposed on opposite sides ofthe throat, in which the general nature of the auxiliary attachment canbe stated as including a bracket including an extension member and across member, the extension member being structured to extend betweenthe pair of legs, and the cross member being structured to be engagedwith the pair of legs.

[0033] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide aclamping device for retaining a first modular form member in a givenorientation with respect to a second modular form member, the firstmodular form member being formed with a first indentation, the secondmodular form member being formed with a second indentation, in which thegeneral nature of the clamping device can be stated as including anelongated bar formed with a first protrusion and a second protrusion,the first protrusion being structured to be engageable with the firstindentation, the second protrusion being structured to be engageablewith the second indentation, the bar being generally channel shaped andbeing formed with an elongated throat, and at least a first clamp havinga first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being structured toremovably engage the first protrusion with the first indentation, thesecond jaw being structured to removably engage the second protrusionwith the second indentation.

[0034] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a wallform structured to receive uncured concrete and to retain the concretetherein during curing to form a cured concrete wall from which the wallform is substantially removable, in which the general nature of the wallform can be stated as including a pair of first modular form members, apair of second modular form members, each of the first modular formmembers being formed with a first indentation, each of the secondmodular form members being formed with a second indentation, a firstclamping device, a second clamping device, the first and second clampingdevices each including an elongated bar, at least a first engagementmember mounted on the bar, and at least a first clamp; each bar having afirst surface and a second surface, each engagement member including afirst edge and a second edge, each first edge protruding outwardly fromthe first surface to form a first protrusion, each second edgeprotruding outwardly from the second surface to form a secondprotrusion, the first protrusion of the first clamping device beingengaged with the first indentation of one of the first form members, thesecond protrusion of the first clamping device being engaged with thesecond indentation of one of the second form members, the firstprotrusion of the second clamping device being engaged with the firstindentation of the other of the first form members, the secondprotrusion of the second clamping device being engaged with the secondindentation of the other of the second form members, each clamp having afirst jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw removably engaging the firstprotrusion with the first indentation, the second jaw removably engagingthe second protrusion with the second indentation, and one of at least afirst tie and a spanning member extending between the first and secondclamping devices.

[0035] These and other aspects and advantages of the present inventionwill be more readily understood from the following description andreference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of thebest modes in which Applicant has contemplated applying the principlesof the invention, are set forth in the following description and areshown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed outand set forth in the appended claims.

[0037]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a clamping device inaccordance with the present invention to which are connected a pair ofmodular form members on alternate sides thereof;

[0038]FIG. 1A is a schematic top plan representation of a simple wallform employing the clamping device of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 2 is a sectional view as taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0040]FIG. 3 is an enlarged front elevational view, partially cut away,of a first clamp of the clamping assembly of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevational view of a first clipassembly of the clamping device of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 5-5 of FIG.4;

[0043]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a tie in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0044]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 7-7 of FIG.6;

[0045]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view as taken along line 8-8 of FIG.6;

[0046]FIG. 9A is a front elevational view of a first end of the tiereceived in an opening in the clip assembly;

[0047]FIG. 9B is a view similar to FIG. 9A, except showing the tierotated such that a retention structure formed in the tie is partiallyreceived in a slot formed in the tie clip;

[0048]FIG. 9C is a view similar to FIG. 9B, except showing the retentionstructure fully received in the slot of the tie clip;

[0049]FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 2, except depicting a secondembodiment of a clamping device in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0050]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary left side elevational view of a portionof a bar of the second embodiment;

[0051]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the portion ofthe bar of the second embodiment;

[0052]FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 2, except depicting a thirdembodiment of a clamping device in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0053]FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a bar of thethird embodiment;

[0054]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a bar of a fourth embodimentof a clamping device in accordance with the present invention;

[0055]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a bar of a fifth embodimentof a clamping device in accordance with the present invention;

[0056]FIG. 17 is a fragmentary isometric view of a sixth embodiment of aclamping device in accordance with the present invention;

[0057]FIG. 17A is a fractional top plan view of the sixth embodimentengaged with a pair of modular form panels;

[0058]FIG. 18 is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of the sixthembodiment;

[0059]FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 17;

[0060]FIG. 20 is a front view of a portion of a seal apparatus of thesixth embodiment;

[0061]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a gusset plate of the sixthembodiment;

[0062]FIG. 22 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the sixthembodiment;

[0063]FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a connection member of thesixth embodiment;

[0064]FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the connection member;

[0065]FIG. 25 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the sixthembodiment with the connection member thereof engaged in a void of a barof a similar second clamping device in accordance with the sixthembodiment of the present invention;

[0066]FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a lock mechanism of theconnection member;

[0067]FIG. 27 is an isometric view of an auxiliary attachment mounted onthe sixth embodiment;

[0068]FIG. 28 is a sectional view as taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27;

[0069]FIG. 29 is a sectional view as taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 28;

[0070]FIG. 30A is a top plan view of a portion of the clamping devicewith a mounting bolt of an auxiliary attachment being rotated to a firstorientation;

[0071]FIG. 30B is a front elevational view of the auxiliary attachmentwith the mounting bolt in the first orientation;

[0072]FIG. 31A is a view similar to FIG. 30A, except depicting themounting bolt rotated to a second orientation;

[0073]FIG. 31B is a view similar to FIG. 30B, except depicting themounting bolt in the second orientation;

[0074]FIG. 32A is a view similar to FIG. 3 1A, except depicting a wedgebolt of the auxiliary attachment being tightly received in a wedge slotof the mounting bolt;

[0075]FIG. 32B is a view similar to FIG. 31B, except depicting the wedgebolt tightly received in the wedge slot;

[0076]FIG. 33 is an exploded fragmentary isometric view of a portion ofthe sixth embodiment with a support leg bracket mounted thereon;

[0077]FIG. 34 is a schematic isometric view of a portion of a wall formthat incorporates the sixth embodiment;

[0078]FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 34 enclosed bya phantom line;

[0079]FIG. 36 is an isometric view of an auxiliary attachment that canbe used in conjunction with the sixth embodiment;

[0080]FIG. 37 is a fragmentary isometric view of the auxiliaryattachment mounted on the sixth embodiment;

[0081]FIG. 38 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the auxiliaryattachment mounted on the sixth embodiment; and

[0082]FIG. 39 is schematic view of a seventh embodiment of a clampingdevice in accordance with the present invention.

[0083] Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout thespecification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0084] A first embodiment of a clamping device 4 in accordance with thepresent invention is indicated in generally FIGS. 1-9C. The clampingdevice 4 is employed to clamp a first modular form member 8 to a secondmodular form member 12. A plurality of modular form members such as thefirst and second modular form members 8 and 12, and a plurality of theclamping devices 4, are employed to assemble a wall form 14 (FIG. 1A)into which uncured concrete will be poured to create a finished concretewall.

[0085] The wall form 14 depicted generally in FIG. 1A is very simple,and it is understood that the modular form members employed to constructthe wall form 14, which are indicated generally by the numeral 10, canbe of dimensions other than those of the first and second modular formmembers 8 and 12. The modular form members 8 and 12 depicted in FIG. 1are presented herein as an example of one application of the presentinvention.

[0086] As is best shown in FIG. 1, the clamping device 4 includes anelongated bar 16, a first clamp 20 and a second clamp 24 mounted on thebar 16, and a first clip assembly 28 and a second clip assembly 32mounted on the bar 16. As will be set forth more fully below, the firstand second clamps 20 and 24 removably clamp the first and second modularform members 8 and 12 against the bar 16, and the first and second clipassemblies 28 and 32 cooperate with ties 34 (FIGS. 1A and 6) that extendbetween and retain opposite clamping devices 4 in a fixed position withrespect to one another in constructing the wall form 14. The clampingdevice 4 may be manufactured out of a metal such as steel, aluminum, orother appropriate metals. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, theclamping device 4 may be wholly or partially manufactured out ofappropriate non-metallic materials such as plastic, rubber, resinouscompounds, and other such materials. Such non-metallic materials mayadditionally be combined with fibers or other structures of glass,carbon, aramid, or other such materials.

[0087] As can be seen in FIG. 1A, a plurality of the clamping devices 4and a plurality of the modular form members are employed to constructthe wall form 14. The wall form 14, in the example shown herein,includes clamping devices 4 and modular form members 10 to form aninterior structure 26 and other clamping devices 4 and modular formmembers 10 to form an exterior structure 30. After uncured concrete ispoured between the interior and exterior structures 26 and 30, theinterior structure 26 will define the interior wall of the finishedconcrete wall and the exterior structure 30 will define the exteriorwall.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the first andsecond modular form members 8 and 12 are each substantially rectangularmembers, and it is understood that they are substantially identical toone another. The first modular form member 8 includes a first perimeterframe 36 that extends peripherally about and carries a generally planarfirst panel 40. The first perimeter frame 36 also includes a pluralityof cross members 41 that provide strength and rigidity to the firstperimeter frame 36. The second modular form member 12 similarly includesa second perimeter frame 48 that extends peripherally about and carriesa generally planar second panel 52, the second perimeter frame 48including a plurality of cross members 50.

[0089] As is best shown in FIG. 2, the first perimeter frame 36 includesan inwardly directed first indentation 42 that extends substantiallycontinuously along the longitudinal extent of the first perimeter frame36. The first panel 40 includes a substantially planar first retentionsurface 44 against which the uncured concrete will be poured duringconstruction of the finished concrete wall.

[0090]FIG. 2 further illustrates that the second perimeter frame 48 isformed with an inwardly directed second indentation 54 that extendssubstantially continuously throughout the longitudinal extent of thesecond perimeter frame 48. The second panel 52 similarly includes asubstantially planar second retention surface 56 against which theuncured concrete will be poured and will be retained.

[0091] It can also be seen from FIG. 2 that the bar 16 is a hollowmember formed with an elongated passageway 60 extending longitudinallytherethrough. Depending upon the material out of which the bar 16 ismanufactured, it may be desirable to manufacture the bar 16 without thepassageway 60, as will be set forth more fully below.

[0092] The bar 16 additionally includes a pair of elongated firstembossments 64 on one side of the bar 16 and a pair of elongated secondembossments 68 extending along an opposite side of the bar 16. The firstand second embossments 64 and 68 extend into the bar 16 and extendsubstantially continuously along the longitudinal extent of the bar 16.As will be set forth more fully below, however, in other embodiments thefirst and second embossments 64 and 68 may not extend continuously alongthe longitudinal extent of the bar 16, and rather may be made up of aplurality of smaller bumps or other forms that are spaced from oneanother but are aligned with one another along the longitudinal extentof the bar 16. It will also be understood that the terms “embossment”and variations thereof are used herein without limitation as to aspecific method of manufacture or forming, as will be set forth morefully below.

[0093] The first embossments 64 define a first protrusion 72 thatextends outwardly from the bar 16 and extends substantially along thelongitudinal extent of the bar 16. Similarly, the second embossments 68define a second protrusion 76 that extends outwardly from the bar 16 ina direction generally away from the first protrusion 72 and extendsalong substantially the longitudinal extent of the bar 16.

[0094] As will be set forth more fully below, the first protrusion 72 isstructured to be clampingly and removably received in and engaged withthe first indentation 42 formed in the first perimeter frame 36.Similarly, the second protrusion 76 is configured to be clampingly andremovably received in and engaged with the second indentation 54 of thesecond perimeter frame 48. It will be understood, however, that theterms “indentation,” “protrusion,” and variations thereof are not usedin a limiting sense, and rather refer to engagement structures on thebar 16 and on the first and second modular form members 8 and 12 thatare complementarily engageable with one another. As such, in otherconfigurations of the present invention the bar 16 may be formed withindentations and the perimeter frames 36 and 48 formed with protrusionswithout departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0095] The bar 16 also includes a generally planar mounting surface 80extending between the first and second protrusions 72 and 76. The firstand second clamps 20 and 24 and the first and second clip assemblies 28and 32 are mounted on the mounting surface 80. The bar 16 additionallyincludes a substantially planar facing surface 84 opposite the mountingsurface 80. As can be seen in FIG. 2, when the first and second modularform members 8 and 12 are clampingly mounted on the clamping device 4,the facing surface 84 is flush with the first and second retentionsurfaces 44 and 56, which advantageously provides a substantially smoothand continuous surface for receiving the uncured concrete that will bepoured into the wall form 14 during construction of the concrete wall.

[0096] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first clamp 20 includes afirst jaw 88, a second jaw 92, and a clamp bolt 96. Inasmuch as thesecond clamp 24 is of a substantially identical configuration to thefirst clamp 20, only the first clamp 20 will be described herein, itbeing understood that the second clamp 24 possesses the sameconfiguration.

[0097] The first jaw 88 includes a first clamping face 98 and a firstshank 100 extending substantially perpendicularly from one another. Thesecond jaw 92 includes a second clamping face 102 and a second shank 104extending substantially perpendicularly from one another. The secondshank 104 is formed with a channel 106 extending substantially thelength thereof and within which the first shank 100 is slidablyreceived. The sliding adjustment of the first shank 100 in the channel106 adjusts the distance between the first and second clamping faces 98and 102, as will be set forth more fully below.

[0098] The first shank 100 additionally is formed with a hole thatdefines first compression surface 108, and the second shank 104 isformed with a hole that defines a pair of co-planar second compressionsurfaces 112. As is best shown in FIG. 3, the clamp bolt 96 includes asubstantially planar vertical surface 116 that is slidably receivableagainst the second compression surfaces 112, and further includes afirst inclined surface 120 and a second inclined surface 124 that arenon-parallel with the vertical surface 116 and are adjustably receivableagainst the first compression surface 108. The first and second inclinedsurfaces 120 and 124 are oriented at substantially equal angles withrespect to the vertical surface 116, although the first and secondinclined surfaces 120 and 124 are offset and non-contiguous with oneanother for use in different applications, as will be set forth morefully below. It will be understood, however, that in alternateembodiments the clamp bolt 96 may be of a greater length than thatdepicted herein, and thus be configured with only a single inclinedsurface that is non-parallel with the vertical surface 116 and includesboth the first and second inclined surfaces 120 and 124 thereon, wherebythe first and second inclined surfaces 120 and 124 would be contiguouswith one another and not offset.

[0099] As can be understood from FIGS. 2 and 3, as to the first jaw 88,that the first compression surface 108 is generally opposite the firstclamping face 98. Similarly, and as to the second jaw 92, the secondcompression surfaces 112 are generally opposite the second clamping face102. As the clamp bolt 96 is advanced between the first compressionsurface 108 and the second compression surfaces 112, the angular offsetof the first inclined surface 120 with respect to the vertical surface116 forces the first compression surface 108 away from the secondcompression surfaces 112. Such action thus has the effect of drawing thefirst and second clamping faces 98 and 102 toward one another. As such,when the clamp bolt 96 is advanced in the downward direction withrespect to FIG. 3, the first and second clamping faces 98 and 102 areclampingly received toward one another.

[0100] Such a configuration of the first clamp 20 is particularly usefulwith regard to the clamping device 4. As is best shown in FIG. 2, thefirst perimeter frame 36 additionally includes a first reception surface128 opposite the first indentation 42 and into which the first clampingface 98 can be received. Similarly, the second perimeter frame 48includes a second reception surface 132 opposite the second indentation54 and into which the second clamping face 102 can be received.

[0101] In order to clamp the first and second modular form members 8 and12 with the clamping device 4, the clamp bolt 96 is removed from thefirst and second jaws 88 and 92, and the first and second jaws 88 and 92are slid apart to maximize the distance between the first and secondclamping faces 98 and 102. A similar operation is performed with thesecond clamp 24. The first modular form member 88 is then receivedagainst the bar 16 such that the first protrusion 72 of the bar 16 isengaged with the first indentation 42 of the first perimeter frame 36.The second modular form member 12 is then received against the bar 16such that the second protrusion 76 of the bar 16 is engaged with thesecond indentation 54 of the second perimeter frame 48. The first andsecond jaws 88 and 92 are then manually pushed together to bring thefirst and second clamping faces 98 and 102 toward one another and, morespecifically, to receive the first clamping face 98 in the firstreception surface 128 and to receive the second clamping face 102 in thesecond reception surface 132.

[0102] The clamp bolt 96 is then received with the vertical surface 116disposed against the second compression surfaces 112 and with one of thefirst and second inclined surfaces 120 and 124 disposed against thefirst compression surface 108. The clamp bolt 96 is received as suchwith sufficient force to compressively engage the first and secondclamping faces 98 and 102 against the first and second receptionsurfaces 128 and 132, and thereby to compressively retain the first andsecond perimeter frames 36 and 48 against the bar 16.

[0103] In alternate applications in which only the first modular formmember 8 is to be clamped to the bar 16, such as at the end of a longwall where a bulkhead is to be positioned opposite the first modularform member 8 where the second modular form member 12 otherwise wouldbe, the second inclined surface 124 is provided to take up theadditional slack between the first and second clamping faces 98 and 102in the absence of the second perimeter frame 48. The second inclinedsurface 124 is also usable in other applications of the clamping device4.

[0104] As is best shown in FIG. 2, the first perimeter frame 36 includesa pair of first extension members 134 and 135 that are disposed onalternate sides of the first indentation 42 and that extend outwardlytherefrom. It can further be seen that the first perimeter frame 36includes angled or arcuate fillets that form the transition from thefirst indentation 42 to the first extension members 134 and 135.

[0105] When the first modular form member 8 is compressed against thebar 16, the first extension members 134 and 135 are received in thefirst embossments 64, and the edges of the first protrusion 72 areengaged with the fillets between the first indentation 42 and the firstextension members 134 and 135. Such engagement advantageously resistsmovement of the first modular form member 8 with respect to the bar 16that otherwise might permit the first retention surface 44 to becomenon-coplanar with the facing surface 84.

[0106] It can be seen that the depth of the first indentation 42 is atleast nominally greater than the height of the first protrusion 72 suchthat a first cavity 138 remains between the first indentation 42 and thefirst protrusion 72 when the first modular form member 8 is clampedagainst the bar 16. The first cavity 138 advantageously can receiveforeign matter therein that otherwise might interfere with the clampingengagement of the first protrusion 72 with the first indentation 42. Thereception of the first extension members 134 and 135 in the firstembossments 64 with the first cavity 138 extending therebetween thusprovides two relatively smaller regions of contact between the firstmodular form member 8 and the bar 16 instead of having a relativelylarger single surface of contact. Such a configuration helps toalleviate the effect of nominal quantities of foreign matter that may bereceived between the first protrusion 72 and the first indentation 42,which helps to ensure that the first retention surface 44 is coplanarwith the facing surface 84 when the first modular form member 8 isclamped to the bar 16.

[0107] The second perimeter frame 48 is similarly formed with a pair ofsecond extension members 136 and 137 and similar fillets that arereceived in the second embossments 68 and engaged with the secondprotrusion 76 of the bar 16, with a second cavity 140 remaining betweenthe second indentation 54 and the second protrusion 76. Such aconfiguration similarly provides two relatively smaller regions ofcontact between the second modular form member 12 and the bar 16 toensure that the second retention surface 56 is coplanar with the facingsurface 84 when the second modular form member 12 is clamped against thebar 16, and alleviates the effect of nominal quantities of foreignmatter that may be received between the second protrusion 76 and thesecond indentation 54.

[0108] It can thus be seen that the first and second modular formmembers 8 and 12 can be quickly clamped against the bar 16 by operatingthe first and second clamps 20 and 24 as set forth above. In thisregard, it can be see that the labor involved in operating the first andsecond clamps 20 and 24 is substantially less than would be required ifa plurality of prior art wedge bolts as described above were employed inclamping the first and second modular form members 8 and 12 together.Moreover, the configuration of the bar 16 with the first and secondembossments 64 and 68 that define the first and second protrusions 72and 76 that operate complementarily with the first and second perimeterframes 36 and 48 helps to automatically align the first and secondmodular form members 8 and 12 with the bar 16 and with one another uponclamping the first and second modular form members 8 and 12 to the bar16. It can thus be seen that the clamping device 4 quickly and reliablyclamps the first modular form member 8 into a desired orientation withrespect to the second modular form member 12, whereby the first andsecond retention surfaces 44 and 56 are coplanar with one another andwith the facing surface 84 of the bar 16 to advantageously provide acommon planar surface against which concrete can be formed and retainedin forming a concrete wall.

[0109] As is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first and second clipassemblies 28 and 32 are disposed on the mounting surface 80 between thefirst and second clamps 20 and 24. It is understood, however, thatdifferent arrangements of the first and second clamps 20 and 24 and thefirst and second clip assemblies 28 and 32 are possible withoutdeparting from the concept of the present invention. Inasmuch as thefirst and second clip assemblies 28 and 32 are virtually of identicalconfigurations, only the first clip assembly 28 will be described indetail hereafter, it being understood that the second clip assembly 32is substantially identical thereto.

[0110] As is best shown in FIG. 4, the first clip assembly 28 includes atie clip 144 and a pair of straps 148 and 149. The opposite ends 150,151, 154, and 155 of the straps 148 and 149 are fixedly mounted on themounting surface 80 such as by welding or other attachment methodology.The portions of the straps 148 and 149 between the ends 150, 151, 154,and 155 slidably retain the tie clip 144 against the mounting surface80. The tie clip 144 is slidable along a sliding axis 152 that is angledwith respect to a longitudinal axis 156 of the bar 16.

[0111] As is best shown in FIG. 5, the tie clip 144 includes asubstantially planar plate 160, a first ear 164, and a second ear 168.The first and second ears 164 and 168 are disposed at the alternate endsof the plate 160 and protrude perpendicularly outward from the plane ofthe plate 160 in a direction generally away from the mounting surface 80of the bar 16. While it can be seen that the tie clip 144 is slidablealong the sliding axis 152 with respect to the bar 16, such slidingmovement of the tie clip 144 is nevertheless limited by the straps 148and 149 and, more specifically, by the engagement of either of the firstand second ears 164 and 168 with either of the straps 148 and 149. Thefirst and second ears 164 and 168 not only limit the movement of the tieclip 144 with respect to the bar 16, but also protrude outwardly fromthe plate 160 and thus can receive a blow from an appropriate tool, suchas a hammer, at appropriate times should the tie clip 144 become stuckor locked with respect to the bar 16.

[0112] With continued attention to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the plate160 is formed with a central opening 172 and a pair of diagonallyopposed notches 176 and 177. The opening 172 includes an approximatelycircular central hole 180 from which extend an elongated first slot 184and an elongated second slot 188, the first and second slots 184 and 188extending longitudinally along the sliding axis 152 in oppositedirections from one another.

[0113] As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bar 16 is formed with afirst tie hole 192 extending therethrough midway between the first andsecond protrusions 72 and 76. Inasmuch as the bar 16 of the firstembodiment is a hollow member formed with the passageway 60 extendinglongitudinally therethrough, the first tie hole 192 includes axiallyaligned holes that extend into the bar 16 from the mounting and facingsurfaces 80 and 84 to define the first tie hole 192 that extends throughthe bar 16.

[0114] As is best shown in FIG. 4, the first tie hole 192 extendsthrough the intersection between the sliding axis 152 of the tie clip144 and the longitudinal axis 156 of the bar 16. It can likewise be seenthat the hole 180 of the opening 172 formed in the plate 160 is axiallyalignable with the first tie hole 192.

[0115] The notches 176 and 177 are receivable against the ends 151 and154 of the straps 148 and 149 when the hole 180 is aligned with thefirst tie hole 192. More specifically, and as is shown in FIG. 9A, whenthe hole 180 is aligned with the first tie hole 192, the tie clip 144can be rotated slightly in a clockwise fashion to cause the notches 176and 177, which are angularly undercut into diagonally opposed regions ofthe plate 160, to engage diagonally opposed ends 151 and 154 of thestraps 148 and 149. It is understood, however, that other configurationsfor the notches 176 and 177 are possible without departing from theconcept of the present invention.

[0116] Inasmuch as the tie clip 144 is slidably disposed between thecentral portions of the straps 148 and 149 and the mounting surface 80of the bar 16, the engagement of the notches 176 and 177 against theends 151 and 154 of the straps 148 and 149 retains the hole 180 insubstantial alignment with the first tie hole 192 by resisting the tieclip 144 from gravitationally sliding along the sliding axis 152. Suchalignment between the hole 180 in the plate 160 and the first tie hole192 is desirable inasmuch as such alignment permits the tie 34 (FIG. 6)to be received in the first hole 192 and through the hole 180 in theplate 160, as will be set forth more fully below. In this regard, it isunderstood that the bar 16 is further formed with a second tie hole thatis alignable with a similar hole formed in a tie clip of the second clipassembly 32 that is also disposed on the bar 16.

[0117] The tie 34 is depicted generally in FIGS. 6 through 8. Inassembling the wall form 14 it is understood that a plurality of theties 34 will be employed, and as will be set forth more fully below theties 34 each extend between a pair of opposed clamping devices 4.

[0118] The tie 34 is an elongated member having a nominally circularcross section and including a first end 204, a second end 208, and acentral region 212 extending between the first and second ends 204 and208. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the central region 212 is taperedinwardly from the second end 208 to the first end 204 for purposes thatwill be set forth more fully below. The second end 208 thus is of agreater diameter than the first end 204. The first and second ends 204and 208 are each non-tapered, although in other configurations either orboth of the first and second ends 204 and 208 potentially can be taperedwithout affecting the concept of the present invention. It is alsounderstood that the tie 34 depicted in FIG. 6 is exaggerated in widthand is shortened in length for purposes of clarity.

[0119] With continued attention to FIG. 6, it can be seen that thelongitudinally outermost portion of the first end 204 is a rounded tip216. The rounded tip 216 facilitates insertion of the first end 204 intothe hole 180 and the first tie hole 192 during assembly of the wall form14. It can also be seen that the longitudinally outermost portion of thesecond end 208, which is opposite the rounded tip 216, includes aplurality of flats 220 arranged in a hexagonal configuration to receivea wrench or other tool to facilitate rotation of the tie 34 about itscentral axis. It is understood, however, that the flats 220 could bereplaced with other appropriate structures such as an internallywrenching head that can receive an appropriate tool therein.

[0120] The first end 204 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposedfirst grooves 224, a pair diametrically opposed second grooves 228, anda pair of diametrically opposed third grooves 232. The first grooves 224thus define a first key 236 on the tie 34, and the second and thirdgrooves 228 and 232 similarly define a second key 240 and a third key244 (FIG. 7), respectively. In this regard, it can be seen that thefirst, second, and third grooves 224, 228, and 232 refer to materialthat has been removed from the first end 204, while the first, second,and third keys 236, 240, and 244 refer to material that remains with thefirst end 204 and is defined by the first, second, and third grooves224, 228, and 232, respectively. The keys and grooves define retentionstructures that are receivable in the openings 172 of the tie clips 144,as will be set forth more fully below.

[0121] The first, second, and third keys 236, 240, and 244 are all of anequal key width 246 as measured across the parallel and spaced apartplanar surfaces of the first, second, and third keys 236, 240, and 244.The first, second, and third keys 236, 240, and 244 each also have a keylength 248 that is defined by the nominal circular diameter of the firstend 204.

[0122] The second end 208 is similarly formed with a pair of firstgrooves 250, a pair of second grooves 252, and a pair of third grooves256, the first, second, and third pairs of grooves 250, 252, and 256defining a first key 260, a second key 264, and a third key 268 (FIG.8), respectively. It can be seen that the first, second, and third keys260, 264, and 268 each advantageously are of the same key width 246, asmeasured across the parallel and spaced apart planar surfaces thereof,as the first, second, and third keys 236, 240, and 244 of the first end204. The first, second, and third keys 260, 264, and 268 have a keylength 270 defined by the nominal circular diameter of the second end208.

[0123] As can be seen in FIG. 1A, in constructing the wall form 14 aplurality of modular form members 10 are clamped to a plurality ofclamping devices 4, and a pair of ties 34 extend between each opposedpair of clamping devices 4. Inasmuch as the insertion of each of theties 34 between opposed pairs of clamping devices 4 is substantiallysimilar, the insertion of only a single tie 34 will be illustratedherein, it being understood that the insertion process is repeated foradditional ties 34 as needed.

[0124] While not specifically shown in FIG. 1A, it is understood thatthe clamping devices 4 depicted therein are positioned such that thefacing surfaces 84 of opposed pairs of the clamping devices 4 face oneanother, and that the mounting surfaces 80 that carry the first andsecond clamps 20 and 24 as well as the first and second clip assemblies28 and 32 face away from one another. In beginning the installation ofthe tie 34, it is desired that the tie clips 144 of each clamping device4 be rotated as shown in FIG. 9A such that the notches 176 and 177thereof engage the ends 151 and 154 of the straps. The installation ofthe ties 34 between the opposed pairs of the clamping devices 4, whichis described immediately hereafter, is carried out by a laborer standingbeside either of the interior or exterior structures 26 or 30, it beingsubstantially unnecessary for a laborer to work from both of theinterior and exterior structures 26 and 30.

[0125] The first end 204 of the tie 34 is axially inserted into the hole180 in the plate 160 and thereafter through the first tie hole 192 of afirst clamping device 4. In such condition the tie 34 is partiallyreceived in the first clamping device 4, with the rounded tip 216 of thetie 34 extending into the space in the wall form 14 between the interiorand exterior structures 26 and 30.

[0126] The tie 34 is further axially advanced toward the second clampingdevice 4 until the rounded tip 216 of the first end 204 is receivedthrough the first tie hole 192 of a second and opposed clamping device4, with the tie 34 being further advanced until the rounded tip 216passes through the hole 180 in the opposing tie clip 144. In suchcondition, the tie 34 extends between the first and second clampingdevices 4, with the first end 204 extending through the second clampingdevice 4 and with the second end 208 extending through the firstclamping device 4. In such condition, the tie 34 is rotationally alignedsuch that the longest dimensions of the first, second, and third keys236, 240, 244, 260, 264, and 268 lie in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the sliding axis 152 of the tie clips 144.

[0127] In order to enhance the versatility of the present invention, thefirst tie holes 192 and the holes 180 in the tie clips 144 are sized toreceive therein the part of the tie 34 having the largest diameter,which in the depicted embodiment is the second end 208. Such aconfiguration obviates the likelihood of needing to consciously assemblethe wall form 14 with specific parts on the interior structure 26 andother parts on the exterior structure 30, which advantageouslysimplified assembly.

[0128] The tie 34 must then be translated to a specific longitudinalposition with respect to both of the tie clips 144. More specifically,the first, second, and third grooves 224, 228, 232, 250, 252, and 256are longitudinally spaced from one another along the tie 34 to allow forfinished walls having different thicknesses. For instance, the distancebetween the third grooves 232 and 256 is representative of the minimumwall thickness that can result in employing the tie 34 to build the wallform 14. Similarly, the distance between the first grooves 224 and 250represents the maximum wall thickness. It must be decided duringassembly of the wall form 14 which sets of grooves will be employed onthe tie 34 to insure that a consistent and appropriate wall thicknessresults in the finished wall.

[0129] Once the tie 34 has achieved an appropriate alignment withrespect to the tie clips 144 of the clamping devices 4 such that one ofthe first, second, and third keys 236, 240, and 244 is aligned with thehole 180 in the tie clip 144 of the second clamping device 4, and one ofthe first, second, and third keys 260, 264, and 268 is aligned with thehole 180 in the tie clip 144 of the first clamping device 4, the tie 34is rotated about its central axis until the key widths 246 are alignedwith the first slots 184 of the tie clips 144. In this regard, the flats220 may be employed in conjunction with an appropriate tool to rotatethe tie 34.

[0130] As can be seen in FIG. 9B, such rotation of the tie 34 in acounter-clockwise direction results in the tie clips 144 being rotatedby the rotating tie 34 in a direction that disengages the notches 176and 177 from the ends 151 and 154 of the straps 148 and 149. Upon suchdisengagement, the tie clips 144 gravitationally slide downwardly alongthe sliding axis 152 in the direction of the arrow 274 in FIG. 9B,whereby the appropriate keys are engaged in the first slots 184 of thetie clips 144.

[0131] In receiving the tie 34 in the tie clips 144 as indicated aboveand as depicted generally in FIG. 9C, it can be seen that each of thefirst, second, and third keys 236, 240, and 244 has a first dimension,the key width 246, and a second dimension, the key length 248 which isdefined by the outer diameter of the first end 204. The first dimensionis less than the second dimension, as is evidenced by the first, second,and third grooves 224, 228, and 232 that define the key width 246. Inthis regard, it can be seen that the width of the first slot 184 in thetie plate 144 is greater than the first dimension (the key width 246)but is smaller than the second dimension (the key length 248), with theresult that the keys can only be received in the first slot 184 in agiven orientation, namely that depicted generally in FIG. C in which thelonger dimension (the key length 248) is substantially aligned with thesliding axis 152. It can thus be seen that the configuration of the tie34 to have first and second dimensions transverse to the central axisthereof permits the tie 34 to be manipulated such that a rotation of thetie 34 about its central axis to a given orientation results in both ofthe tie clips 144 simultaneously engaging desired keys of the tie 34. Inthis regard, it is understood that the first or smaller dimensions ofthe retention structures at the first end 204 are aligned with the firstor smaller dimensions of the retention structures at the second end 208to permit such simultaneous engagement with the tie clips 144. In thisregard, it is further understood that the tie 34 may of numerous otherconfigurations wherein the first and second dimensions may beperpendicular or non-perpendicular with one another, depending upon thespecific needs of the particular application.

[0132] With one of the first, second, and third keys 236, 240, and 244received in the first slot 184 of the tie clip 144 of the secondclamping device 4, and with one of the first, second, and third keys260, 264, and 268 received in the first slot 184 of the first clampingdevice 4, it can be seen that the opposed clamping devices 4 betweenwhich the tie 34 extends are retained in a fixed spatial relation withone another. More specifically, it can be seen that the clamping devices4 cannot be moved closer to one another or be spread farther apart fromone another due to the engagement of the keys and grooves in the firstslots 184 of the tie clips 144. Readjustment could, however, beaccomplished by disengaging the specific key from the first slot 184 ofeither or both of the tie clips 144 and re-engaging a different keytherein.

[0133] The retention of the clamping devices 4 in a given spatialrelationship with one another correspondingly retains the modular formmembers that are mounted on the clamping devices 4 in the same givenspatial orientation. Such integrity in the orientation of the modularform members with respect to one another ensures that the resultant wallform 14 will remain in the desired configuration despite the hydrostaticforces that are inherent in the pouring and retention of concrete withinthe wall form 14.

[0134] While the insertion of only a single tie 34 between a pair ofopposed clamping devices 4 has been set forth above, it is understoodthat in the embodiment depicted herein a pair of ties 34 extends betweeneach opposite pair of clamping devices 4, and a plurality of clampingdevices 4 typically are employed in assembling each of the interior andexterior structures 26 and 30 of the wall form 14. In this regard, itcan be seen that the relatively simple operation set forth above, whenrepeated numerous times, saves substantial labor in assembling the wallform 14 as compared with assembling the wall form 14 with previouslyknown wedge bolts in previously known tie members.

[0135] Once the wall form 14 has been completely assembled, as isgenerally shown in the example depicted in FIG. 1A, a building materialsuch as uncured concrete is poured between the interior and exteriorstructures 26 and 30 of the wall form 14 to a desired height. In sodoing, the ties 34 are generally submerged in the uncured concrete andthus will remain disposed within the concrete upon curing thereof. Thetapered nature of the ties 34 nevertheless advantageously permits theties 34 to be dislodged and removed from the wall after curing of theconcrete.

[0136] More specifically, after the concrete has cured, the wall form 14is disassembled by first removing the clamp bolts 96 from all of thefirst and second clamps 20 and 24, and by removing the modular formmembers 10 from the clamping devices 4. The clamping devices 4 are thenremoved from the cured concrete wall by first sliding each of the tieclips 144 along its sliding axis 152 until the hole 180 of each isaligned with the associated tie hole, which as depicted herein as thefirst tie hole 192. In this regard, the second ear 168 may need toreceive a blow from a hammer or other appropriate tool to slide the tieclip 144 into such alignment. With the first and second clip assemblies28 and 32 of each clamping device 4 aligned as such, the clampingdevices 4 can be removed from the first and second ends 204 and 208 ofthe ties 34 that still protrude from the concrete wall.

[0137] After all of the clamping devices 4 and modular form members havebeen removed from the finished concrete wall, only the ties 34 remain,the ties 34 being disposed internally within the cured concrete wall andwith the first and second ends 204 and 208 at least partially protrudingfrom the wall. Inasmuch as the ties 34 are each advantageously taperedas set forth above, a blow from a hammer or other appropriate toollongitudinally applied to the first end 204 dislodges the tie 34 fromthe concrete wall and thus leaves a tapered circular hole in theconcrete wall. The resultant hole can be sealed with caulking compoundsor other appropriate sealants, or can be sealed by receiving arubber-type plug in the hole to prevent leakage of water and undesirablematter.

[0138] The bar 16 is advantageously configured with a sufficientdistance between the mounting and facing surfaces 80 and 84 that none ofthe grooves is ever disposed in the space between the interior andexterior structures 26 and 30 after construction of the wall form 14 iscompleted. In this regard, the distance between the first and thirdgrooves 224 and 232, and the distance between the first and thirdgrooves 250 and 256 is less than the distance between the mounting andfacing surfaces 80 and 84, whereby the grooves are never exposed to theuncured concrete between the interior and exterior structures 26 and 30.

[0139] The clamping device 4 of the present invention thus quickly andeasily permits the first and second modular form members 8 and 12 to beclamped on alternate sides thereof and to be clamped into a specific andfixed coplanar orientation with one another. The clamping device 4 alsocan receive a portion of a tie 34 therein such that the clamping device4 can be held by the tie 34 in a fixed spatial relationship with anopposite clamping device 4. The ability of the tie 34 to cooperate withopposite clamping devices 4 provides a retention system thatadvantageously retains a modular form member of an interior structure ina fixed spatial relationship with an opposite modular form member in anexterior structure, which advantageously results in a finished concretewall having vertical and evenly spaced interior and exterior walls ifdesired. The tie 34 is advantageously configured to have numerousgrooves to allow the tie to be used in constructing walls of differentthicknesses. Moreover, the configuration of the first and second clipassemblies 28 and 32 of each clamping device 4 permits a tie 34 to beinstalled between opposite clamping devices 4 by a laborer working onlyfrom the mounting surface 80 of either of the interior or exteriorstructures 26 or 30 of the wall form 14.

[0140] The configuration of the tie clips 144 to each slide along asliding axis 152 that is oblique to the longitudinal axis 156 of the bar16 permits the tie clips 144 to gravitationally engage portions of theties 34. By configuring each of the tie clips 144 to have both a firstslot 184 as well as a second slot 188 opposite thereto, the clampingdevices 4 advantageously do not have a specific up or downconfiguration, meaning that the clamping devices 4 can be used in agiven vertical orientation as well as an orientation where the sameclamping device 4 is flipped upside-down. In the upside-downconfiguration, the second slots 188 of the tie clips 144 would engagethe grooves and keys of the tie 34.

[0141] A second embodiment of a clamping device 504 in accordance withthe present invention is indicated generally in FIGS. 10-12. Theclamping device 504 is similar to the clamping device 4, except that thebar 516 is of a different configuration than the bar 16. Morespecifically, the bar 516 is a substantially hollow member having afirst surface 562 and a second surface 566 opposite one another, thefirst surface 562 having a plurality of first pads 570 thereon, and thesecond surface 566 having a plurality of second pads 574 thereon.

[0142] It can be seen that the first pads 570 together operate as afirst protrusion 572, and the second pads 574 operate together as asecond protrusion 576, the first and second protrusions 572 and 576extending outwardly from opposite sides of the bar 516. It can likewisebe seen that the first protrusion 572 providing by the first pads 570 isclampingly receivable in the first indentation 42 of the first perimeterframe 36 of the first modular form member 8, and that the secondprotrusion 576 provided by the second pads 574 is clampingly receivablein the second indentation 54 of the second modular form member 12.

[0143] The first and second pads 570 and 574 may be made of the samematerial as the bar 516 or may be made out of a different material. Thefirst and second pads 570 and 574 are mounted on the bar 516 using anyof a variety of known methods such as by welding, adhering, fasteningwith fasteners, and other appropriate mounting methodologies. It isfurther noted that the first and second pads 570 and 574 can beintegrally formed in the bar 516, such as by embossing the first andsecond pads 570 and 574 on the bar 516, by forming the bar 516 and thefirst and second pads 570 and 574 together as a monolithic structure, orby employing other appropriate forming methodologies.

[0144] The first pads 570 are longitudinally spaced from one anotheralong the first surface 562 to provide a number of first gaps 634extending therebetween. The second pads 574 are similarly spaced alongthe second surface 566 to provide second gaps 638 therebetween. Thefirst and second gaps 634 and 638 advantageously can receive a nominalquantity of foreign matter therein to resist interference by the foreignmatter with attachment of the first and second modular form members 8and 12 to the clamping device 504 and alignment therebetween. It isunderstood, however, that in other configurations the bar 516 mayinclude only a single first pad 570 extending substantially along thelongitudinal extent thereof, and similarly may include a single secondpad 574 extending along the longitudinal extent thereof, withoutdeparting from the concept of the present invention.

[0145] The configuration of the bar 516 thus provides the advantages ofreadily clamping and aligning the first and second modular form members8 and 12 thereto, and provides versatility in the way that the first andsecond pads 570 and 574 may be formed. The configuration of the bar 516with its first and second pads 570 and 574 thus potentially may bemanufactured less expensively than the bar 16 under variouscircumstances.

[0146] A third embodiment of a clamping device 804 in accordance withthe present invention is indicated generally in FIGS. 13 and 14. Theclamping device 804 includes a bar 816 that is removably clamped betweenfirst and second modular form members 808 and 812 in a fashion similarto the operation of the clamping device 4. The bar 816 advantageouslyincludes a pair of first bump members 865 extending outwardly from afirst surface 862 of the bar 816 that together form the first protrusion872. Similarly, the bar 816 includes a pair of second bump members 869extending outwardly from a second surface 866 of the bar 816 oppositethe first surface 862 to form the second protrusion 876.

[0147] As is best shown in FIG. 14, each first bump member 865 includesa plurality of first bumps 867 that are spaced from one another and arealigned with one another along the length of the bar 816. The firstbumps 867 are thus arranged in a pair of parallel and spaced apart firstrows to form the first bump members 865. It is further understood fromFIG. 13 that the second bump members 869 are each similarly made up of aplurality of second bumps 870 that are configured and arranged to besubstantially similar to the first bumps 867.

[0148] As is best shown in FIG. 13, the first bump members 865 engagethe first extension members 934 and 935 of the first modular form member808. More specifically, one set of the first bumps 867 engages thefillet of the first extension member 934, and the other set of firstbumps 867 engages the fillet of the first extension member 935. Thesecond bumps 870 similarly engage the second extension members 936 and937. It thus can be seen that the first protrusion 872 formed by thefirst bump members 865 is removably engagable with the first indentation842, of the first modular form member 808 and that the second protrusion876 formed by the second bump members 869 is engagable in the secondindentation 854 of the second modular form member 812.

[0149] As can be seen from FIGS. 13 and 14, the first and second bumpmembers 865 and 869 are depicted as being formed in the bar 816 such asby roll forming, embossing, stamping, or otherwise forming the first andsecond bumps 867 and 870 into the bar 816. In this regard, it is notedthat the bar 816 depicted in FIG. 13 includes a joint 818 formed by theabutting sides of a sheet of material out of which the bar is made,although the bar 816 may be manufactured in other fashions that do notinvolve the formation of the joint 818.

[0150] It is further understood that the first and second bump members865 and 869 may, in other embodiments, extend continuously along thelength of the bar 816, and may be of other configurations than thatdepicted generally in FIGS. 13 and 14. It is further understood that thefirst and second bump members 865 and 869 can be in the form ofstructures that are disposed on the bar 16, as will be set forth morefully below.

[0151] The configuration of the bar 816 with first and second bumps 867and 870 that engage the fillets of the first and second modular formmembers 808 and 812 provides engagement structures that are limited insize yet permit secure retention of the first and second modular formmembers 808 and 812 on the bar 816, and further provides larger cavitiestherebetween into which foreign matter can be received to avoidinterference with the clamping function of the clamping device 804.Moreover, the first and second bump members 865 and 869 can be ofnumerous different configurations which adds a great level ofversatility to the clamping device 804 by permitting it to bemanufactured in different ways and by making it suitable for use indiverse applications.

[0152] A fourth embodiment of a clamping device 1104 in accordance withthe present invention is indicated generally in FIG. 15. The clampingdevice 1104 includes a substantially solid bar 1116 having a pair offirst bump members 1165 extending outwardly from a first surface 1162 ofthe bar 1116 and a pair of second bump members 1169 extending outwardlyfrom a second surface 1166 of the bar 1116 opposite the first surface1162. The first and second bump members 1165 and 1169 are formedintegrally and monolithically with the bar 1116 as a single structure.The first bump members 1165 form a first protrusion, and the second bumpmembers 1169 form a second protrusion 1176. The first and secondprotrusions 1172 and 1176 are engagement structures that are removablyengagable with complementary structures on modular form members in afashion similar to the clamping device 804.

[0153] The first bump members 1165 are each in the form of a first bump1167 that extends continuously along the length of the bar 1116, and thesecond bump members 1169 are each similarly in the form of a second bump1170 extending continuously along the length of the bar 1116. As such,the cross-section of the bar 1116 is substantially constant throughoutthe longitudinal extent of the bar 1116. In other embodiments, however,the first and second bump members 1165 and 1169 may be non-continuous ina fashion similar to the bar 816.

[0154] Since the first and second bumps 1167 and 1170 are formedintegrally and monolithically with the bar 1116 as a single structure,the bar 1116 can be manufactured by known methods such as extrusion andthe like. In embodiments of the bar 1116 such as that depicted in FIG.15 in which the bar 1116 is not formed with a space extending throughoutthe longitudinally extent thereof, the bar 1116 may be manufactured outof a relatively lightweight material such as a plastic foam combinedwith a strengthening matrix such as fibers of glass, carbon, or aramid,although numerous other appropriate materials may be employed withoutdeparting from the concept of the present invention. Moreover, the bar1116 may also be formed with a space (not shown) extending partially orfully along the longitudinal extent thereof depending uponconsiderations of strength, weight, and conservation of the materials,as well as other considerations. It is further understood that the bar1116 could be manufactured out of metal depending upon the aboveconsiderations and the requirements of the application. It thus can beseen that the clamping device 1104 provides additional versatility bypermitting the bar 1116 to be configured in additional diverse ways andmanufactured out of different types of materials.

[0155] A fifth embodiment of a clamping device 1404 of the presentinvention is depicted generally in FIG. 16. The clamping device 1404includes an elongated bar 1416 having a pair first bump members 1465disposed on a first surface 1462 of the bar 1416 and a pair of secondbump members 1469 disposed on a second surface 1466 of the bar 1416opposite the first surface 1462. It can be understood from FIG. 16 thateach first bump member 1465 is in the form of an elongated first rod1471 that is fixedly mounted on the first surface 1462 by welding,adhesion, fastening with fasteners, or by other appropriate attachmentmethodologies. Similarly, each second bump member 1469 is in the form ofan elongated second rod 1473 that is similarly mounted on the secondsurface 1466. The first rods 1471 thus together form the firstprotrusion 1472, and the second rods 1473 together form the secondprotrusion 1476.

[0156] The first and second rods 1471 and 1473 are each advantageouslyconfigured with an arcuate outer surface that is configured to engage afillet of and extension member of a modular form member. If the filletsof the modular form members are themselves arcuate, the curvature of thefirst and second rods 1471 and 1473 preferably is configured to matchthe curvature of the fillets, or to at least be of a smaller radius thanthe fillets to permit engagement therebetween. If the fillets areangled, the first and second rods 1471 and 1473 still provideappropriate engagement structures that can engage the modular formmembers and resist movement between the modular form members and the bar1416.

[0157] While the first and second bump members 1465 and 1469 aredepicted as being of a substantially circular cross-section, it isunderstood that in other configurations the cross-sections may be ofother configurations such as portions of circles, non-circular arcuateshapes, and polygonal shapes, as well as other shapes, without departingfrom the concept of the present invention. Moreover, while the first andsecond rods 1471 and 1473 are depicted herein as being substantiallycontinuous along the longitudinal extent of the bar 1416, it isunderstood that in other embodiments the first and second rods 1471 and1473 may be discontinuous in a fashion similar to the first and secondbumps 867 and 870 of the bar 816. It is further understood that in stillother embodiments the first and second bump members 1465 and 1469 may beintegrally formed in a monolithic fashion with the bar 1416 as a singlestructure or may be formed thereon in other appropriate fashions.

[0158] A sixth embodiment of a clamping device 2004 in accordance withthe present invention is indicated generally in FIGS. 17-35. Theclamping device 2004 includes a bar 2016 that is generally channelshaped and includes a plurality of bar apertures 2061 formed therein. Ascan be understood from FIGS. 17 and 18, the bar 2016 includes alongitudinal axis 2156, and the bar apertures 2061 are configured toeach receive a gusset plate 2063 therein such that each gusset plate2063 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis2156.

[0159] As indicated above, the bar 2016 is generally channel shaped andincludes a first wall 2033 and a second wall 2037 opposite one another,a facing wall 2039 extending between the first and second walls 2033 and2037, and a mounting wall 2038. As will be understood from FIGS. 17 and18, the mounting wall 2038 is formed with a throat 2046 that extendssubstantially the longitudinal extent of the bar 2016 and that gives thebar 2016 its generally channel shaped configuration. The first, second,and facing walls 2033, 2037, and 2039 together define a void 2045 thatextends substantially the longitudinal extent of the bar 2016.

[0160] As can best be seen in FIG. 19, the mounting wall 2038 includes areentrant first leg 2049 and a reentrant second leg 2053 formed therein.The first leg 2049 is substantially parallel with and spaced from thefirst wall 2033, and the second leg 2053 is substantially parallel withand spaced from the second wall 2037. The first and second legs 2049 and2053 are similarly substantially parallel with one another, although itis understood that the first and second legs 2049 and 2053 may benon-parallel relationship with one another and/or with the first and/orsecond walls 2033 and 2037 without departing from the concept of thepresent invention. The reentrant configuration of the first and secondlegs 2049 and 2053 advantageously provide support structures formounting an auxiliary attachment 2022 (FIG. 27), an alternate auxiliaryattachment 2222 (FIG. 33), as well as another auxiliary attachment 2322(FIGS. 36-38) that can be used for different purposes in incorporatingthe clamping device 2004 into a wall form 2014 (FIG. 34).

[0161] It can be seen from FIG. 17 that the clamping device 2004includes a first clamp 2020, a second clamp 2024, a first clip assembly2028, and a second clip assembly 2032 mounted on the bar 2016, and thusshares some similarity with the clamping device 4. Inasmuch as themounting wall 2038 is formed with the throat 2046, the first and secondclip assemblies 2028 and 2032 each include a tie clip and a pair ofstraps that are substantially similar to those of the first and secondclip assemblies 28 and 32, except that the tie clip and straps of thefirst and second clip assemblies 2028 and 2032 are mounted on anattachment plate 2015 which is mounted on mounting wall 2038 of the bar2016.

[0162] The bar 2016 includes a first end 2057 and a second end 2058opposite one another. It can be seen from FIG. 17 that a connectionmember 2139 is disposed in the void 2045 at the first end 2057, and thatat least a portion of the connection member 2139 protrudes outwardlyfrom the first end 2057. As will be set forth more fully below, theportion of the connection member 2139 that protrudes outwardly from thefirst end 2057 is configured to be received in the void 2045 in a secondend 2058 of a similar second clamping device 2004, as can be seengenerally in FIG. 25.

[0163] As can be seen generally in FIG. 21, each gusset plate 2063 issubstantially rectangular in shape and includes an attachment hole 2075centrally formed therein. Each gusset plate 2063 additionally includes afirst edge 2082 and a second edge 2086 opposite one another. The firstand second edges 2082 and 2086 are depicted in the accompanying figuresas being substantially parallel with one another. For reasons that willbe set forth more fully below, however, it may be desirable to configurethe first and second edges 2082 and 2086 to be non-parallel with oneanother.

[0164] The attachment hole 2075 is depicted in FIG. 21 as beingsubstantially circular in cross section. The attachment hole 2075 notonly reduces the weight of the gusset plates 2063, but also provides apoint at which safety harnesses and the like can be securely fastened tothe clamping device 2004 without the use of frictional fasteners such asknown wedge bolts and the like. It is thus understood that theattachment hole 2075 can be of other sizes and shapes without departingfrom the concept of the present invention.

[0165] As can be understood from FIGS. 17 and 18, the first wall 2033includes a first surface 2062 defined thereon. Similarly, the secondwall 2037 includes a second surface 2066 defined thereon. It can furtherbe seen that the bar apertures 2061 extend through the bar 2016 betweenthe first and second surfaces 2062 and 2066.

[0166] The gusset plates 2063 are advantageously positioned in the barapertures 2061 such that the first edges 2082 of the gusset plates 2063protrude outwardly from the first surface 2062 to together define afirst protrusion 2072 that is complementarily receivable in the firstindentation 42 of the first modular form member 8. Similarly, the secondedges 2086 of the gusset plates 2063 protrude outwardly from the secondsurface 2066 and together define a second protrusion 2076 that iscomplementarily receivable in the second indentation 54 of the secondmodular form member 12. The first edges 2082 align with one anotheralong a first imaginary line, and the second edges 2086 align withanother along a second imaginary line, with the first and secondimaginary lines being parallel and spaced apart from one another. Such aparallel orientation between the first and second imaginary lines resultfrom the gusset plates 2063 all being of the same length.

[0167] In this regard, it can be understood that the first and secondedges 2082 and 2086 of the gusset plates 2063 provide the surfaces thatengage with the first and second modular form members 8 and 12. Thegusset plates 2063 thus serve as engagement members that engage thefirst and second indentations 42 and 54 and, with the cooperation of thefirst and second clamps 2020 and 2024, retain the first and secondmodular form members 8 and 12 in a given orientation with respect to oneanother. In this regard, it can be seen that the specific spacing of thefirst and second walls 2033 and 2037 with respect to one another, aswell as the specific parallel or non-parallel relationship therebetween,is relatively unimportant in maintaining the first and second modularform members 8 and 12 in the specific orientation with respect to oneanother inasmuch as the gusset plates 2063 serve as the engagementmembers that retain the first and second modular form members 8 and 12in the desired orientation. The bar 2016, as is depicted generally inFIG. 17, thus can be manufactured less expensively than if the first andsecond surfaces 2062 and 2066 provided the engagement surfaces thatretained the specific orientation of the first and second modular formmembers 8 and 12 with respect to one another since the bar 2016 can bemanufactured in a relatively less tightly controlled process. The costsavings in manufacturing the bar 2016 correspondingly permits theclamping device 2004 to be manufactured relatively less expensively.

[0168] The gusset plates 2063 are received in the bar apertures 2061 andare aligned with one another using an appropriate fixture, and thegusset plates 2063 are then fixedly attached to the bar 2016 such as bywelding, adhering, or other appropriate fixing methodology. Once thegusset plates 2063 are fixedly aligned with one another such that thefirst and second edges 2082 and 2086 line up along parallel and spacedapart first and second imaginary lines, the gusset plates 2063 functionas the engagement members that can align and retain the first and secondmodular form members 8 and 12 in the desired orientation with respect toone another.

[0169] As can be seen in FIG. 22, the connection member 2139 isgenerally channel shaped and includes a pair of side plates 2141 and across plate 2143 extending between the side plates 2141. The connectionmember 2139 is partially received in the void 2045 at the first end 2057of the bar 2016, and a portion of the connection member 2139 protrudesoutwardly from the first end 2057. It can be understood from FIG. 22that the connection member 2139 is configured to be complementarilyreceived in the void 2045, whereby the cross section of the connectionmember 2139 is complementary to the cross section of the void 2045.

[0170] It can be seen from FIG. 24 that the cross plate 2143 includes asubstantially circular mounting hole 2145 formed therein. The mountinghole can be used for numerous purposes and is particularly suited tocooperating with a spanning member 2147 (FIG. 35) that extends betweenthe mounting hole 2145 of the connection member 2139 and a mounting hole2145′ of a similar second connection member 2139′. The spanning member2147 includes a threaded rod 2146 that extends between the connectionmembers 2139 and 2139′ and is at least partially received in themounting holes 2145 and 2145′. The spanning member 2147 further includesa pair of nuts (not shown) that are cooperable with the rod 2146 and aretightened sufficiently on the rod 2146 to be engaged against the crossplates 2143 and 2143′ to retain the spacing therebetween.

[0171] In this regard, it can be understood that the spanning member2147 functions as a “dry tie”, that is, it resists the connectionmembers 2139 and 2139′ from becoming spaced farther apart from onanother under the horizontal hydrostatic load of uncured concrete pouredinto the wall form 2014. The spanning member 2147 is advantageously“dry” inasmuch as it remains vertically spaced above the uncuredconcrete within the wall form 2014, whereby the spanning member 2147 canbe quickly removed from the wall form 2014 after the concrete within thewall form 2014 has cured. While the rod 2146 and nuts are describedherein as being threadably cooperable, it is understood that spanningmember 2147 may be of numerous other configurations employing numerousadjustment systems such as detents, ratchet and pawl arrangements,turnbuckles, and numerous other such systems without departing from theconcept of the present invention.

[0172] It can further be seen from FIGS. 23 and 24 that the connectionmember 2139 includes a pair of axially aligned retention holes 2153formed in the side plates 2141. The retention holes 2153 are cooperablewith a lock mechanism 2157 that is configured to releasably lock theclamping device 2004 with a similar second locking device 2004.

[0173] As can be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the lock mechanism 2157includes a pair of axially aligned pins 2161 that are mounted on aspring 2165 having a generally hourglass/U-shaped configuration. Thepins 2161 are of a generally cylindrical configuration and each includea beveled end 2169 opposite its connection with the spring 2165,although in other configurations the pins 2161 can be of othernon-cylindrical or non-beveled configurations without departing from theconcept of the present invention. While the beveled ends 2169 aredepicted as being only partially beveled, it is understood that in otherconfigurations the beveled ends 2169 of the pins 2161 may becircumferentially beveled or otherwise beveled without departing fromthe concept of the present invention.

[0174] The spring 2165 is generally U-shaped and includes a pair ofindentations 2173 formed therein that give the spring 2165 its hourglassshape. The spring 2165 additionally includes a tab 2179 (FIGS. 22 and26) that extends from each indentation 2173 and that facilitatesgrasping by a workman to compress the spring 2165 in a fashion that willbe set forth more fully below.

[0175] As can be seen from FIGS. 24 and 25, the pins 2161 are disposedin the retention holes 2153 formed in the side plates 2141 of theconnection member 2139. The pins 2161 are of sufficient length toprotrude outwardly from the side plates 2141.

[0176] As is depicted in FIG. 25, the second end 2058 of each bar 2016is formed with a pair of axially aligned pin holes 2185 that areconfigured to receive the beveled ends 2169 of the pins 2161therethrough when the protruding portion of the connection member 2139is received in the void 2045 of a similar second clamping device 2004.

[0177] In initially receiving the protruding portion of the connectionmember 2139 in the void 2045 of the similar second clamping device 2004,the protruding portion of the connection member 2139 is complementarilyreceived in the void 2045. With further advancement of the connectionmember 2139 into the void 2045, the beveled ends 2169 engage the secondend 2058 of the similar second clamping device 2004, which causes thespring 2165 to deflect as the pins 2161 are axially advanced toward oneanother.

[0178] Once the connection member 2139 has been advanced into the void2045 sufficiently that the pins 2161 are aligned with the pin holes2185, the spring 2165 biases the pins 2161 into engagement with the pinholes 2185. In so doing, it is understood that the beveled ends 2169facilitate the reception of the pins 2161 in the pin holes 2185. In thisregard, it is understood that the beveled ends 2169 are depicted hereinas being only partially beveled to provide a non-beveled bearing surface2187 on the pin 2161 opposite the bevel. Once the pins 2161 are receivedin the pin holes 2185, the bearing surfaces 2187 are engagable againstthe pin holes 2185 in the event that the two (or more) axially stackedclamping devices 2004 that are connected with one another as set forthin FIG. 25 are vertically lifted from the uppermost clamping device 2004(such as by a crane) to provide secure and detachable inter-engagementbetween the clamping devices 2004.

[0179] Depending upon the specific needs of the particular application,the connection member 2139 may provide secure inter-engagement with thesimilar second clamping device 2004 without employing the lock mechanism2157. For instance, the connection member 2139 is configured to becomplementarily received in the void 2045 at the second end 2058 of thesimilar second clamping device 2004. Such secure inter-engagementaxially aligns the bars 2016 of the clamping devices 2004 with oneanother. If it is not contemplated that such stacked clamping devices2004 will be lifted vertically upward from an upper clamping device2004, the clamping devices 2004 will remain securely inter-engaged withone another even without the lock mechanism 2157. If, however, it isdesired to vertically lift the clamping devices 2004, or under otherappropriate circumstances, the lock mechanism 2157 releasably locks theclamping devices 2004 with one another.

[0180] In order to disengage a pair of stacked clamping devices as shownin FIG. 25, a workman grasps the indentations 2173 or the tabs 2179 andforces them together in order to compress the spring 2165 and disengagethe pins 2161 from the pin holes 2185. The tabs 2179 or indentations2173 can be grasped manually or with an appropriate tool. It can beseen, however, that if the spring 2165 were substantially U-shapedwithout the indentations 2173 or the tabs 2179, the non-curved portionsof the spring 2165 would rest directly against the inner surfaces of theside plates 2141 and would be extremely difficult to grasp or contact bya workman. The indentations 2173 and tabs 2179 are thus advantageouslyprovided to space a portion of the spring 2165 within the throat 2046 toenable the spring 2165 to be readily grasped by a workman.

[0181] In this regard, it is understood that either or both of theindentations 2173 and tabs 2179 can be provided to achieve such purpose.More specifically, the indentations 2173 themselves provide appropriatesurfaces that can be grasped by a workman to compress the spring 2165.Similarly, the spring 2165 can be configured without the indentations2173 but with the tabs 2179 extending from the non-curved portions ofthe spring 2165 to achieve the same purpose if the free ends of the tabs2179 are disposed within the throat 2046, meaning that they are disposedbetween planes defined by the first and second legs 2049 and 2053. It isfurther understood that still other configurations of the spring 2165can be employed without departing from the concept of the presentinvention.

[0182] It can be seen from FIG. 18 that the connection member 2139 isformed with a securing aperture 2183 that extends between the sideplates 2141. The securing aperture 2183 is advantageously configured toreceive one of the gusset plates 2063 therein for mounting theconnection member 2139 onto the bar 2016. In this regard, duringassembly of the clamping device 2004, and prior to installation of thegusset plates 2063 in the bar aperatures 2061, the end of the connectionmember 2139 in which the securing aperture 2183 is formed is received inthe void 2045 at the first end 2057 of the bar 2016 until the securingaperture 2183 is aligned with the bar aperture 2061 closest to the firstend 2057. One of the gusset plates 2063 is then received through boththe bar aperture 2061 as well as the securing aperture 2183 alignedtherewith. Gusset plates 2063 are received in the other bar apertures2061, and all of the gusset plates 2063 are then aligned with oneanother as set forth above and affixed to the bar 2016.

[0183] The reception of one of the gusset plates 2063 in both thesecuring aperture 2183 as well as in one of the bar apertures 2061securely retains the connection member 2139 to the bar 2016. It isunderstood, however, that other attachment methodologies may be employedfor securing the connection member 2139 to the bar 2016, such as withthe use of rivets, interference fit, welding the connection member 2139directly to the bar 2016, as well as other methodologies, withoutdeparting from the concept of the present invention.

[0184] As is best shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the clamping device 2004includes a seal apparatus 2077 disposed within the void 2045 adjacent atie hole 2192 formed in the facing wall 2039. Inasmuch as the bar 2016includes a pair of the tie holes 2192 formed therein, it also includes apair of the seals apparatuses 2077 that correspond with the tie holes2192.

[0185] Each seal apparatus 2077 includes a seal 2079 mounted on a sealsupport 2081. It can be seen from FIG. 20 that the seal 2079 isgenerally annular or toroidal in shape and thus is formed with asubstantially circular seal hole 2083 centrally disposed therein that isaxially aligned with the tie hole 2192.

[0186] The seal 2079 is manufactured out of a flexible, resilientmaterial and is configured such that the tie 34 depicted generally inFIG. 6 can be received in the seal hole 2083. In this regard, it isnoted that the tie holes 2192 formed in the bar 2016 must be ofsufficient size to accommodate the second end 208 of the tie 34 thereininasmuch as the second end 208 is relatively wider than the first end204 of the tie 34. The seal apparatus 2077 is thus advantageouslyprovided to resist leakage of uncured concrete through the tie hole 2192when the relatively narrower first end 204 of the tie 34 is received inthe relatively wider tie hole 2192. In this regard, the first end 204 isalso received in the seal hole 2083, such that the seal 2079 spans theannular gap between the first end 204 of the tie 34 and the tie hole2192.

[0187] Further in this regard, the seal 2079 is sufficiently resilientto enable the second end 208 of the tie 34 to be received in the sealhole 2083 without damaging the seal 2079. The seal 2079 is thusconfigured to receive either of the first and second ends 204 and 208 ofthe tie 34 therein and to resist the leakage of uncured concrete intothe bar 2016 through the tie hole 2192.

[0188] As can be seen generally in FIG. 19, the seal support 2081 isgenerally U-shaped and includes a pair of opposite ends that lieadjacent the first and second legs 2049 and 2053. The seal support 2081is in the form a strap of resilient material such as a sheet of metal,plastic, or other such material, and is formed with a hole thatcorresponds roughly in size with the tie hole 2192 and is axiallyaligned with the seal hole 2083. The seal apparatus 2077 is retained inthe position whereby the seal hole 2083 is axially aligned with the tiehole 2192 by engaging the opposite ends of the seal support 2081 againstthe mounting wall 2038, with one end being disposed between the firstleg 2049 and the first wall 2033, and the other end disposed between thesecond leg 2053 and the second wall 2037. It is understood, however,that other methodologies may be employed for mounting the seal 2079 insealing proximity to the tie hole 2192.

[0189] As indicated hereinbefore, one or more auxiliary attachments2022, 2222, and 2322 can be mounted on the clamping device 2004. Morespecifically, the auxiliary attachment 2022 includes a catwalk bracket2005 that is mounted on the bar 2016 with a generally T-shaped mountingbolt 2009. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the auxiliaryattachment 2222 includes a support leg bracket 2205 that is mounted ontothe bar 2016 with a generally T-shaped mounting bolt 2209 that issubstantially similar in configuration to the mounting bolt 2009. Stillalternatively, or in addition thereto, the auxiliary attachment 2322includes a whaler bracket 2305 and a compression wedge 2325 that canmount a whaler member 2321 onto the wall form 2014 for purposes ofalignment, load transfer, as well as for other purposes, as will be setforth more fully below. It will be understood, however, that other typesof auxiliary attachments may be mounted on the bar 2016 in a similarfashion.

[0190] The auxiliary attachment 2022 is indicated generally in FIG. 27.The catwalk bracket 2005 includes an engagement plate 2111 that isengaged against the bar 2016 and a support plate 2117 that extends fromthe engagement plate 2111 in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe bar 2016. The engagement plate 2111 is formed with a substantiallycylindrical thru-bore 2115 extending therethrough that receives themounting bolt 2009. Planks or other such supporting structures may belaid upon the support plate 2117 to form a catwalk that workmen can walkupon. A crossbar extends between the engagement plate 2111 and thesupport plate 2117 to provide strength and rigidity to the support plate2117.

[0191] The engagement plate 2111 includes an elongated alignment ridge2119 on the face of the engagement plate 2111 opposite the support plate2117. The alignment ridge 2119 is configured to be of a width that canbe received within the throat 2046 of the bar 2016 with minimal playtherebetween. As such, when the alignment ridge 2119 is received in thethroat 2046, the catwalk bracket 2005 is substantially incapable ofrotation within a plane defined by the engagement plate 2111.

[0192] As is depicted generally in FIG. 28, the mounting bolt 2009includes a cross member 2013 and an extension member 2017. The extensionmember 2017 is substantially cylindrical in configuration and issubstantially perpendicular to the cross member 2013 to give themounting bolt 2009 a generally T-shaped configuration.

[0193] As can be seen in FIG. 29, the extension member 2017 is formedwith a rectangular wedge slot 2021 extending diametrically through theextension member 2017 and being oriented at approximately a 45° anglewith respect to the cross member 2013. The wedge slot 2021 is thusoriented oblique to the cross member 2013, meaning that it is neitherparallel nor perpendicular to the cross member 2013. It is understood,however, that the wedge slot 2021 may be oriented at oblique anglesother than 45° depending upon the specific needs of the particularapplication without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0194] As can be seen in FIG. 28, the auxiliary attachment 2022 furtherincludes a wedge bolt 2025 that functions as a fastener that cooperateswith the mounting bolt 2009 to fasten the catwalk bracket 2005 to thebar 2016 of the clamping device 2004. The wedge bolt 2025 is roughlytriangular in shape and includes a wide end 2029 and a narrow end 2103opposite one another. The narrow end 2103 includes a retention member2107 that resists the wedge bolt 2025 from being fully removed from thewedge slot 2021.

[0195] FIGS. 30A-32B are operational views that depict installation ofthe auxiliary attachment 2022 onto the bar 2016. It can be seen that thecatwalk bracket 2005 additionally includes an alignment stop 2123, ablocking fence 2127, and a pivot stop 2131 disposed on the engagementplate 2111. It can also be seen that the pivot stop 2131 is disposed atthe end of the blocking fence 2127. The alignment stop 2123, theblocking fence 2127, and the pivot stop 2131 advantageously control theoperation of the wedge bolt 2025 with respect to the mounting bolt 2009as will be set forth more fully below.

[0196] As can be understood from FIGS. 30A-32B, the mounting bolt 2009is pivotably mounted in the thru-bore 2115. The auxiliary attachment2022 is initially positioned on the bar 2016 with the mounting bolt 2009being pivoted to a first orientation. When the mounting bolt 2009 is inthe aforementioned first orientation, the cross member 2013 is orientedsubstantially parallel with the longitudinal extent of the throat 2046and can be received therein. Moreover, the wedge bolt 2025 is disposedagainst the alignment stop 2123 when the mounting bolt 2009 is in thefirst orientation, which assists in aligning the mounting bolt 2009 inthe first orientation. It can be understood from FIG. 30B that in suchposition the wedge bolt 2025 is retained in the wedge slot 2021 by theretention member 2107, and it can further be seen that the blockingfence 2127 substantially resists the wedge bolt 2025 from being advancedinto the wedge slot 2021 when the mounting bolt 2009 is in the firstorientation whereby the wide end 2029 otherwise would be disposed withinthe wedge slot 2021.

[0197] Once the cross member 2013 has been advanced sufficiently intothe void 2045 that it clears the first and second legs 2049 and 2053,the mounting bolt 2009 is rotated along with the wedge bolt 2025 throughan angle of approximately 90° to a second orientation to cause the crossmember 2013 to be oriented substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal extent of the throat 2046 and to span across the first andsecond legs 2049 and 2053. In such position, it can be seen that thenarrow end 2103 of the wedge bolt 2025 has cleared the blocking fence2127 such that the wedge bolt 2025 can be advanced into the wedge slot2021 whereby successively wider regions of the wedge bolt 2025 will bedisposed within the wedge slot 2021.

[0198] As can be seen in FIGS. 32A and 32B, as the wedge bolt 2025 isadvanced into the wedge slot 2021, the increasing width of the wedgebolt 2025 that is received in the wedge slot 2021 draws the extensionmember 2017 out of the thru-bore 2115 until the cross member 2013contacts the free ends of the first and second legs 2049 and 2053. Inthis regard, the increasing width of the wedge bolt 2025 that isreceived between the engagement plate 2111 and a terminal end 2135 (FIG.28) of the wedge slot 2021 causes the extension member 2017 to translatein such a direction to cause the cross member 2013 to engage the freeends of the first and second legs 2049 and 2053.

[0199] Accordingly, after the mounting bolt 2009 has been rotated to thesecond orientation, as is depicted in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the wedge bolt2025 is advanced, as is depicted generally in FIGS. 32A and 32B,typically via a number of blows to the wide end 2029 with a hammer orother appropriate implement to cause successively wider regions of thewedge bolt 2025 to be received in the wedge slot 2021 and to tightlyengage the cross member 2013 against the free ends of the first andsecond legs 2049 and 2053.

[0200] In this regard, it can be seen from FIGS. 28, 31A and 32A thatthe cross member 2013 includes a pair of lips at opposite ends thereofthat facilitate such engagement by the cross member 2013 and that resistrotation of the mounting bolt 2009 while the wedge bolt 2025 is receivedin the wedge slot 2021 as indicated in FIG. 32B. Further in this regard,it can be seen from FIG. 32B that when the wedge bolt 2025 is in theadvanced position in the wedge slot 2021, the wedge bolt 2025 restsagainst or is disposed closely adjacent the pivot stop 2131 at the endof the blocking fence 2127. The pivot stop 2131 thus advantageouslyresists counter-clockwise (from the perspective of FIGS. 30A-32B)rotation of the mounting bolt 2009 from the second orientation back tothe first orientation when the wedge bolt 2025 is in the advancedposition as depicted generally in FIG. 32B.

[0201] The auxiliary attachment 2022 is thus configured to tightlyengage the cross member 2013 of the mounting bolt 2009 against the freeends of the first and second legs 2049 and 2053, which correspondinglytightly engages the engagement plate 2011 against the mounting wall 2038of the bar 2016. The catwalk bracket 2005 thus is securely retained onthe bar 2016, and the configuration of the alignment stop 2123, blockingfence 2127 and pivot stop 2131 together cooperate to ensure that thecross member 2013 is properly received in the void 2045 and does notunintentionally become dislodged from the first and second legs 2049 and2053 such as by unintended rotation of the mounting bolt 2009.

[0202] As can be understood from FIG. 34, a plurality of auxiliaryattachments 2022 are mounted on a plurality of clamping devices 2004 ofthe wall form 2014, and planks or other such support structures (notshown) can be positioned atop the support plate 2117 of the catwalkbrackets 2005 to form a catwalk upon which workmen can stand whenworking on the wall form 2014. It is understood that the specificconfiguration of the catwalk bracket 2005 including its support plate2117 can be varied without departing from the concept of the presentinvention.

[0203] In order to remove the auxiliary attachment 2022 from theclamping device 2004, the wedge bolt 2025 is withdrawn from the wedgeslot 2021 sufficiently to permit the cross member 2013 to disengage fromthe first and second legs 2049 and 2053 and to permit rotation of themounting bolt 2009 from the second orientation back to the firstorientation. In this regard, the wedge bolt 2025 is withdrawn in theaforementioned fashion by one or more blows with a hammer or otherappropriate tool to the narrow end 2103 of the wedge bolt 2025 so as tocause relatively narrower portions of the wedge bolt 2025 to be disposedwithin the wedge slot 2021. Again, it is understood that the retentionmember 2107 that is disposed near the narrow end 2013 of the wedge bolt2025 resists complete removal of the wedge bolt 2025 from the wedge slot2021.

[0204] The auxiliary attachment 2222 functions in a fashionsubstantially similar to the auxiliary attachment 2022 except that thesupport leg bracket 2205 includes a first ear plate 2217 and a secondear plate 2219 instead of the support plate 2117. The first and secondear plates 2217 and 2219 are formed with axially aligned holes that canreceive one end of a support leg 2191 therein. The support leg 2191 canbe any of a wide variety of support structures that are configured toextend between the support leg bracket 2205 and the grade or other suchsupporting surface in order to retain the clamping device 2004 in adesirable vertical orientation. In this regard, the support leg 2191typically is length adjustable such as with the use of a turnbuckle,detents, threaded adjustment, ratchet and pawl devices, and the like inorder to facilitate vertical alignment of the clamping device 2004 afterpositioning the free end of the support leg 2191 against the grade orother support surface.

[0205] As can be seen from FIG. 34, one or more of the auxiliaryattachments 2222 are mounted on the clamping devices 2004 and extendtherefrom to the grade or other such support surface in order to retainthe clamping devices 2004 and the wall form 2014 resulting therefrom ina desirable or vertical orientation.

[0206] The support leg bracket 2205 mounts onto the bar 2016 in asubstantially similar fashion to the catwalk bracket 2005, meaning thatthe mounting bolt 2209 is rotated from a first orientation to a secondorientation at which time a wedge bolt is advanced through a wedge slotin the mounting bolt to securely engage the mounting bolt against thefirst and second legs 2049 and 2053 and to securely mount the supportleg bracket 2205 to the bar 2016. In this regard, the movement of thewedge bolt is directed by an alignment stop, a blocking fence, and apivot stop on an engagement plate of the support leg bracket 2205, withthe engagement plate additionally including an alignment ridge on thesurface opposite that on which the first and second ear plates 2217 and2219 are disposed.

[0207] The wall form 2014 is depicted in FIG. 34 in a generallyincomplete configuration. The wall form 2014 is depicted as including aninterior structure 2026 and an exterior structure 2030. The exteriorstructure 2030 is further depicted as including a first course 2080 ofclamping devices 2004 and a plurality of modular form members 10connected therebetween that would be disposed against a footer or othersuch support structure and a second course 2084 made up of clampingdevices 2004 and modular form members 10 disposed atop the first course2080. The clamping devices 2004 of the first and second courses 2080 and2084 are connected with one another via the connection members 2139 andlock mechanisms 2157 of the clamping devices 2004 of the first course2080. The first course 2080 is depicted as including a plurality ofauxiliary attachments 2222 mounted thereon with support legs 2191extending therefrom to the grade. The second course 2084 is depicted asincluding a plurality of auxiliary attachments 2022 upon which planks(not shown) can be placed to form a catwalk. As is more particularlydepicted in FIG. 35, spanning members 2147 extend between the mountingholes 2145 of the connection members 2139 of the clamping devices 2004of the second course 2084.

[0208] The auxiliary attachment 2322 is depicted generally in FIGS.36-39. As indicated above, the auxiliary attachment 2322 includes awhaler bracket 2305 and a compression wedge 2325 that are cooperable toretain a whaler member 2321 against the clamping devices 2004 and thusagainst the modular form members 10. The whaler member 2321 is generallyan elongated member that aligns the clamping devices 2004 and themodular form members 10 with one another as well as assists intransferring the horizontal hydrostatic load resulting from uncuredconcrete away from the modular form members 10 and to the clampingdevices 2004 and thus to the spanning members 2147. The whaler member2321 can serve additional purposes as is generally known in the relevantart.

[0209] The whaler bracket 2305 is a generally U-shaped member having asubstantially planar support surface 2309 thereon. The whaler bracket2305 additionally includes a cross member 2313 and an extension member2317 formed thereon that are cooperable with the first and second legs2049 and 2053 of the bar 2016. As can be seen in FIG. 37, the whalerbracket 2305 is mounted on the bar 2016 by receiving the extensionmember 2317 in the throat 2046 with the cross member 2313 being engagedagainst the free ends of the first and second legs 2049 and 2053. Inthis regard, it is understood that the cross member 2313 and theextension member 2317 function in a fashion similar to the cross member2013 and the extension member 2017 of the mounting bolt 2009 of theauxiliary attachment 2022. As such, it is further understood that thewhaler bracket 2305 is installed on the bar 2016 by pivoting the whalerbracket 2305 about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal extent ofthe bar 2016 to a first orientation (not shown) whereby the cross member2313 and the extension member 2317 are received through the throat 2046.The whaler bracket 2305 is then rotated about the same axis to a secondposition (depicted generally in FIGS. 36-39) that receives the extensionmember 2317 between the first and second legs 2049 and 2053 and engagesthe cross member 2313 against the free ends of the first and second legs2049 and 2053. The end of the whaler bracket 2305 opposite the crossmember 2313 is turned down to provide a heel that can rest against themounting wall 2038 of the bar 2016.

[0210] After the whaler bracket 2305 has been mounted on the bar 2016,the whaler member 2321 is placed on the support surface 2309, and thecompression wedge 2325 is advanced into holes formed in the whalerbracket 2305 to engage the whaler member 2321 between the compressionwedge 2325 and the mounting wall 2038 of the bar 2016. In this regard,it can be seen that the compression wedge 2325 includes a wide end 2329and a narrow end 2403. The whaler member 2321 is configured such that itis loosely disposed on the support surface 2309 when the narrow end 2403of the compression wedge 2325 is received in the holes formed in thewhaler bracket 2305, but that the whaler member 2321 is tightlyinterposed and engaged between the compression wedge 2325 and the bar2016 when the wide end 2329 is received in the holes formed in thewhaler bracket 2305. The compression wedge 2325 is typically tightenedby a number of blows by a hammer or other appropriate implement to thewide end 2329, and it is removed by a number of blows applied to thenarrow end 2403. It can further be seen from FIGS. 36 and 37 that thenarrow end 2403 is advantageously flared outwardly to resist thecomplete removal of the compression wedge 2325 from the whaler bracket2305.

[0211] The generally T-shaped configuration of the whaler bracket 2305provided by the cross member 2313 and the extension member 2317facilitates the simple mounting and removal of the whaler bracket 2305onto and from the bar 2016. Since the whaler bracket 2305 is cooperablewith the first and second legs 2049 and 2053 of the bar 2016, it canalso be seen that the whaler bracket 2305 is thus substantiallycontinuously repositionable along longitudinal portions of the bar 2016,except along regions of the bar 2016 where the gusset plates 2063 orother structures are disposed. The auxiliary attachment 2322 thus can beemployed in a versatile fashion to install the whaler member 2321 ontothe wall form 2014. In this regard, it is understood that the whalermember 2321 typically will extend along a plurality of the auxiliaryattachments 23222, although this is not specifically depicted in FIG.34.

[0212] It thus can be understood from the foregoing that numerous othertypes of auxiliary attachments can be mounted onto the wall form 2014via the bars 2016 if such auxiliary attachments include a cross member2313 and an extension member 2317 that are cooperable with the first andsecond legs 2049 and 2053. Further in this regard, other types ofauxiliary attachments that have a mounting system similar to that of theengagement plate 2111 and mounting bolt 2009 of the auxiliary attachment2022 may be mounted on the bars 2016. It thus can be seen that theauxiliary attachments 2022, 2222, and 2322 provide examples ofstructures which can be mounted on the bars 2016 for varied purposes, aswell as mounting methods. It thus will be understood that numerous othertypes of auxiliary attachments can be mounted onto the bars 2016 of thewall form 2014 without departing from the concept of the presentinvention.

[0213] Since the auxiliary attachments 2022, 2222, and 2322 aresubstantially continuously repositionable along longitudinal portions ofthe bar 2016, structures such as catwalk, support legs, and whalers canbe mounted at desirable positions on the clamping devices 2004 withouthaving to resort to mounting onto preset holes formed in the bar. Assuch, the present device is highly versatile and can be assembled withrelative ease compared with other previously known concrete formsystems.

[0214] A seventh embodiment of a clamping device 2504 in accordance withthe present invention is depicted generally in FIG. 36. The clampingdevice 2504 is substantially similar to the clamping device 2004 butincludes a modular form member 10 fixedly mounted thereon, such as bywelding, adhering, bolting, or by other attachment methodology. As canbe seen in FIG. 36, the modular form member 10 is securely engagedagainst the gusset plates 2063, thus leaving the opposite edge of thegusset plates available for connection with the free side of a modularform member 10 of a similar second clamping device 2504.

[0215] By configuring the clamping device 2504 to include both aclamping device 2004 and a modular form member 10, the number ofseparate parts that must be managed at a construction site iscorrespondingly reduced. Additionally, the labor involved in attaching aplurality of the clamping device 2504 to one another is at leastnominally less than the labor required to clamp first and second modularform members 8 and 12 to each clamping device 2004.

[0216] The first and second modular form members 8 and 12, and themodular form member 10 generally, are of various dimensions suited tothe construction of concrete walls of buildings and other structures. Assuch, an example of the nominal dimensions of one instance of the firstand second modular form members 8 and 12 and the modular form member 10are approximately two feet in width and eight feet in height. It isunderstood, however, that other instances of the modular form membersmay be of numerous different dimensions that can be assembled in variouscombinations and orientations to provide a wall form 14 having specificdesired dimensions to result in a finished concrete wall having thedesired dimensions.

[0217] In this regard, it is understood that the method and apparatus ofthe present invention can be used to construct walls out of a buildingmaterial such as concrete in commercial, industrial, residential, andpublic works applications, as well as other appropriate applications.While concrete is illustrated herein as being the building material thatis employed with the method and apparatus of the present invention, itcan be seen that other appropriate building materials potentially may beemployed to create other types of walls without departing from theconcept of the present invention.

[0218] While a number of particular embodiments of the present inventionhave been described herein, it is understood that various changes,additions, modifications, and adaptations may be made without departingfrom the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A clamping device for retaining a first modular form member in agiven orientation with respect to a second modular form member, thefirst modular form member being formed with a first indentation, thesecond modular form member being formed with a second indentation, theclamping device comprising: an elongated bar having a first surface anda second surface; at least a first engagement member mounted on the bar,the at least first engagement member including a first edge and a secondedge, the first edge protruding outwardly from the first surface, thesecond edge protruding outwardly from the second surface, the first edgeforming a first protrusion that is structured to be engageable with thefirst indentation, and the second edge forming a second protrusion thatis structured to be engageable with the second indentation; and at leasta first clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw beingstructured to removably engage the first protrusion with the firstindentation, the second jaw being structured to removably engage thesecond protrusion with the second indentation.
 2. The clamping device ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second edges are one of substantiallyparallel with one another and substantially perpendicular to oneanother.
 3. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the first and secondsurfaces are opposite one another.
 4. The clamping device of claim 3,wherein the first and second edges are substantially parallel with oneanother.
 5. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the at least firstengagement member is a first gusset plate.
 6. The clamping device ofclaim 5, wherein a first plane defined by the first gusset plate isoriented substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar. 7.The clamping device of claim 5, wherein the first gusset plate includesan attachment hole formed therein.
 8. The clamping device of claim 5,wherein the first gusset plate extends between the first and secondsides.
 9. The clamping device of claim 8, wherein the first gusset plateextends substantially continuously between the first and second sides.10. The clamping device of claim 5, wherein the first gusset plate iswelded to the bar.
 11. The clamping device of claim 1, furthercomprising a second engagement member mounted on the bar, the secondengagement member including a first edge and a second edge, the firstedge protruding outwardly from the first surface, the second edgeprotruding outwardly from the second surface, the first edges of thefirst and second engagement members together forming the firstprotrusion, the second edges of the first and second engagement memberstogether forming the second protrusion.
 12. The clamping device of claim11, wherein the at least first engagement member is a first gusset plateand second engagement member is a second gusset plate.
 13. The clampingdevice of claim 12, wherein the first and second gusset plates arespaced from the ends of the bar.
 14. The clamping device of claim 12,wherein the first and second gusset plates are substantially parallelwith one another.
 15. The clamping device of claim 12, wherein the firstgusset plate is of a first length measured between the first and secondedges thereof, and the second gusset plate is of a second lengthmeasured between the first and second edges thereof, the first lengthbeing substantially equal to the second length.
 16. The clamping deviceof claim 12, wherein the first and second gusset plates aresubstantially rectangular.
 17. The clamping device of claim 11, whereinthe first edges of the at least first and second engagement membersalign with one another along a first imaginary line, and the secondedges of the at least first and second engagement members align with oneanother along a second imaginary line, the first and second imaginarylines being parallel with one another.
 18. The clamping device of claim1, wherein the first modular form member is fixedly mounted on the bar.19. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the bar is substantiallyrectangular in cross section.
 20. The clamping device of claim 1,wherein the bar is generally channel shaped and is formed with anelongated throat.
 21. The clamping device of claim 20, wherein thethroat extends along substantially the length of the bar.
 22. Theclamping device of claim 20, wherein the bar includes a first leg and asecond leg adjacent the throat.
 23. The clamping device of claim 22,wherein the first and second legs are disposed on opposites sides of thethroat.
 24. The clamping device of claim 22, wherein the first andsecond legs extend in a reentrant fashion and are substantially parallelwith one another.
 25. The clamping device of claim 24, wherein the barincludes a first wall and a second wall, the first surface being definedon the first wall, the second surface being defined on the second wall,the first leg being spaced from the first wall, the second leg beingspaced from the second wall.
 26. The clamping device of claim 25,wherein the bar includes a mounting wall interposed between the firstand second walls, the throat being formed in the mounting wall.
 27. Theclamping device of claim 26, wherein the first and second legs extendfrom the mounting wall.
 28. The clamping device of claim 22, furthercomprising an auxiliary attachment including a bracket and a mountingbolt, the mounting bolt being cooperable with the bar to removablyretain the bracket on the bar.
 29. The clamping device of claim 28,wherein the mounting bolt is cooperable with the first and second legsto resist movement of the mounting bolt with respect to the bar.
 30. Theclamping device of claim 28, wherein the mounting bolt includes a crossmember and an extension member, the extension member extendingsubstantially perpendicularly from the cross member.
 31. The clampingdevice of claim 30, wherein the extension member extends between thefirst and second legs when the cross member cooperates with the firstand second legs.
 32. The clamping device of claim 30, wherein themounting bolt in a first orientation is receivable between the first andsecond legs, and wherein the first and second legs resist the crossmember from being received between the first and second legs when themounting bolt is in a second orientation rotated from the firstorientation.
 33. The clamping device of claim 30, wherein the auxiliaryattachment further includes a fastener, the mounting bolt beingstructured to cooperate with the fastener to engage the mounting boltwith the first and second legs.
 34. The clamping device of claim 33,wherein the fastener is a wedge bolt.
 35. The clamping device of claim34, wherein the extension member is formed with a wedge slot extendingtherethrough, the wedge bolt being receivable in the wedge slot.
 36. Theclamping device of claim 35, wherein the wedge bolt includes a wide endand a narrow end, the auxiliary attachment including a retention membermounted at the narrow end of the wedge bolt and being structured toresist detachment of the wedge bolt from the wedge slot.
 37. Theclamping device of claim 35, wherein the wedge slot extends through theextension member in a direction oblique to the direction in which thecross member extends.
 38. The clamping device of claim 28, wherein thebracket includes an engagement plate formed with a thru-bore, themounting bolt extends through the thru-bore, and at least a portion ofthe engagement plate is removably engaged against the bar.
 39. Theclamping device of claim 38, wherein the bracket includes an alignmentridge, the alignment ridge being removably engaged in the throat. 40.The clamping device of claim 38, wherein the mounting bolt is pivotablein the thru-bore between a first orientation in which the mounting boltis receivable between the first and second legs and a second orientationin which the first and second legs resist at least a portion of themounting bolt from being received between the first and second legs. 41.The clamping device of claim 40, wherein the auxiliary attachmentfurther includes a wedge bolt, and the mounting bolt is formed with awedge slot extending therethrough, the wedge bolt being receivable inthe wedge slot, the wedge bolt being moveable in the wedge slot betweena clamped position and an unclamped position.
 42. The clamping device ofclaim 41, wherein the bracket includes an alignment stop, the mountingbolt being in the first orientation when the wedge bolt is engagedagainst the alignment stop.
 43. The clamping device of claim 41, whereinthe bracket includes a blocking fence that resists movement of the wedgebolt to the clamped position unless the mounting bolt is substantiallyin the second orientation.
 44. The clamping device of claim 43, whereinthe bracket includes a pivot stop that resists pivoting of the mountingbolt from the second orientation toward the first orientation when thewedge bolt is in the clamped position.
 45. The clamping device of claim44, wherein the pivot stop is disposed at the end of the blocking fence.46. The clamping device of claim 45, wherein the wedge bolt includes awide end and a narrow end, the auxiliary attachment including aretention member mounted at the narrow end of the wedge bolt and beingstructured to resist detachment of the wedge bolt from the wedge slot.47. The clamping device of claim 38, wherein the bracket includes asupport plate extending in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe bar.
 48. The clamping device of claim 38, wherein the bracketincludes at least a first ear plate, the at least first ear plate beingstructured to operatively engage a support leg.
 49. The clamping deviceof claim 28, wherein the auxiliary attachment is substantiallycontinuously repositionable along longitudinal portions of the bar. 50.The clamping device of claim 22, further comprising an auxiliaryattachment mounted on the bar, the auxiliary attachment including anextension member and a cross member, the extension member extendingbetween the first and second legs, and the cross member being engagedwith the first and second legs.
 51. The clamping device of claim 50,wherein the auxiliary attachment includes a bracket, the extensionmember and the cross member being formed on the bracket.
 52. Theclamping device of claim 50, wherein the auxiliary attachment includes awhaler bracket and a compression wedge, the whaler bracket including theextension member and the cross member.
 53. The clamping device of claim52, further comprising a whaler member, and wherein the whaler bracketincludes a support surface, the whaler member being disposed on thesupport surface and being engaged between the bar and the compressionwedge.
 54. The clamping device of claim 20, wherein the at least firstengagement member is a first gusset plate that extends at leastpartially into the throat.
 55. The clamping device of claim 1, whereinthe clamping device is constructed substantially out of metal.
 56. Theclamping device of claim 1, wherein the clamping device is a componentof a wall form used to construct a wall.
 57. The clamping device ofclaim 1, wherein the bar includes a first end and a second end oppositeone another, and further comprising a connection member disposed on thebar, at least a portion of the connection member protruding outwardlyfrom the first end, the connection member being structured to connectthe bar with a second bar of a similar second clamping device.
 58. Theclamping device of claim 57, wherein the connection member is formedwith a mounting hole, the mounting hole being structured to at leastpartially receive a spanning member therein, the spanning member beingstructured to extend between the mounting hole and a second mountinghole formed in a second connection member of the second clamping device.59. The clamping device of claim 57, wherein the connection member isgenerally channel shaped.
 60. The clamping device of claim 59, whereinthe bar includes a first wall, a second wall, and a facing wallconnected with one another in a generally channel shaped configuration,with the first, second, and facing walls together defining a voidextending substantially throughout the longitudinal extent of the bar,the connection member having a cross section that is complementary tothe void and being disposed at least partially in the void at the firstend.
 61. The clamping device of claim 60, wherein the portion of theconnection member that protrudes from the first end is engageable in avoid of a similar third clamping device to provide secureinterconnection therebetween.
 62. The clamping device of claim 61,wherein the connection member includes a lock mechanism structured toreleasably lock the connection member in the void of the similar thirdclamping device.
 63. The clamping device of claim 62, wherein the lockmechanism includes a spring and a pin, and wherein the bar is formedwith a pin hole adjacent the second end, the pin being biased by thespring and being structured to engage a pin hole formed on the similarthird clamping device.
 64. The clamping device of claim 63, wherein thespring is generally U-shaped.
 65. The clamping device of claim 64,wherein the pin includes a beveled end.
 66. The clamping device of claim64, wherein the spring includes one of an indentation and a tab formedthereon.
 67. The clamping device of claim 59, wherein the at least firstengagement member is a first gusset plate, and wherein the connectionmember is formed with a securing aperture, the first gusset plate beingreceived in the securing aperture.
 68. The clamping device of claim 1,wherein the bar is formed with at least a first tie hole extendingtherethrough.
 69. The clamping device of claim 68, wherein the barincludes at least a first tie clip.
 70. The clamping device of claim 69,wherein the at least first tie clip is formed with an opening that isstructured to at least partially receive a tie therein.
 71. The clampingdevice of claim 68, further comprising a seal disposed adjacent the atleast first tie hole.
 72. The clamping device of claim 71, wherein theseal is manufactured out of a resilient material.
 73. The clampingdevice of claim 71, further comprising a seal support, the seal beingmounted on the seal support.
 74. The clamping device of claim 73,wherein the seal support is disposed on the bar.
 75. The clamping deviceof claim 74, wherein the bar is generally channel shaped and is formedwith an elongated throat and includes a first leg and a second legadjacent the throat, and wherein the seal support includes a pair ofopposite ends, one of the ends of the seal support being disposedadjacent the first leg, the other of the ends of the seal support beingdisposed adjacent the second leg.
 76. An auxiliary attachment for usewith an elongated bar formed with an elongated throat and having a pairof legs disposed on opposite sides of the throat, the auxiliaryattachment comprising: a bracket; and a mounting bolt having anextension member and a cross member, the extension member beingstructured to extend into the throat of the bar between the pair oflegs, the cross member being structured to engage the pair of legs toretain the bracket on the bar.
 77. The auxiliary attachment of claim 76,wherein the mounting bolt in a first orientation is structured to bereceivable between the pair of legs, and wherein the cross member isstructured to resist being received between the pair of legs when themounting bolt is in a second orientation rotated from the firstorientation.
 78. The clamping device of claim 76, wherein the auxiliaryattachment further includes a fastener, the mounting bolt beingcooperable with the fastener to engage the mounting bolt with the pairof legs.
 79. The clamping device of claim 78, wherein the fastener is awedge bolt.
 80. The clamping device of claim 79, wherein the extensionmember is formed with a wedge slot extending therethrough, the wedgebolt being receivable in the wedge slot.
 81. The clamping device ofclaim 80, wherein the wedge bolt includes a wide end and a narrow end,the auxiliary attachment including a retention member mounted at thenarrow end of the wedge bolt and being structured to resist detachmentof the wedge bolt from the wedge slot.
 82. The clamping device of claim80, wherein the wedge slot extends through the extension member in adirection oblique to the direction in which the cross member extends.83. The clamping device of claim 76, wherein the bracket includes anengagement plate formed with a thru-bore, the mounting bolt extendingthrough the thru-bore, and at least a portion of the engagement platebeing structured to be removably engaged against the bar.
 84. Theclamping device of claim 83, wherein the bracket includes an alignmentridge, the alignment ridge being structured to be removably engaged inthe throat.
 85. The clamping device of claim 83, wherein the mountingbolt is pivotable in the thru-bore between a first orientation in whichthe mounting bolt is structured to be receivable between the pair oflegs and a second orientation in which at least a portion of themounting bolt is structured to resist being received between the pair oflegs.
 86. The clamping device of claim 85, wherein the auxiliaryattachment further includes a wedge bolt, and the mounting bolt isformed with a wedge slot extending therethrough, the wedge bolt beingreceivable in the wedge slot, the wedge bolt being moveable in the wedgeslot between a clamped position and an unclamped position.
 87. Theclamping device of claim 86, wherein the bracket includes an alignmentstop, the mounting bolt being in the first orientation when the wedgebolt is engaged against the alignment stop.
 88. The clamping device ofclaim 86, wherein the bracket includes a blocking fence that resistsmovement of the wedge bolt to the clamped position unless the mountingbolt is substantially in the second orientation.
 89. The clamping deviceof claim 88, wherein the bracket includes a pivot stop that resistspivoting of the mounting bolt from the second orientation toward thefirst orientation when the wedge bolt is in the clamped position. 90.The clamping device of claim 89, wherein the pivot stop is disposed atthe end of the blocking fence.
 91. The clamping device of claim 90,wherein the wedge bolt includes a wide end and a narrow end, theauxiliary attachment including a retention member mounted at the narrowend of the wedge bolt and being structured to resist detachment of thewedge bolt from the wedge slot.
 92. The clamping device of claim 83,wherein the bracket includes a support plate structured to extend in adirection substantially perpendicular to the bar.
 93. The clampingdevice of claim 83, wherein the bracket includes at least a first earplate, the at least first ear plate being structured to operativelyengage a support leg.
 94. The clamping device of claim 76, wherein theauxiliary attachment is substantially continuously repositionable alonglongitudinal portions of the bar.
 95. An auxiliary attachment for usewith an elongated bar formed with an elongated throat and having a pairof legs disposed on opposite sides of the throat, the auxiliaryattachment comprising: a bracket including an extension member and across member, the extension member being structured to extend betweenthe pair of legs, and the cross member being structured to be engagedwith the pair of legs.
 96. The clamping device of claim 95, wherein theextension member and the cross member are formed on the bracket.
 97. Theclamping device of claim 95, further comprising a whaler member, andwherein the bracket is a whaler bracket including a support surface, thewhaler member being disposed on the support surface and being engagedbetween the bar and the compression wedge.
 98. A clamping device forretaining a first modular form member in a given orientation withrespect to a second modular form member, the first modular form memberbeing formed with a first indentation, the second modular form memberbeing formed with a second indentation, the clamping device comprising:an elongated bar formed with a first protrusion and a second protrusion,the first protrusion being structured to be engageable with the firstindentation, the second protrusion being structured to be engageablewith the second indentation; the bar being generally channel shaped andbeing formed with an elongated throat; and at least a first clamp havinga first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being structured toremovably engage the first protrusion with the first indentation, thesecond jaw being structured to removably engage the second protrusionwith the second indentation.
 99. The clamping device of claim 98,wherein the throat extends along substantially the length of the bar.100. The clamping device of claim 98, wherein the bar includes a firstleg and a second leg adjacent the throat.
 101. The clamping device ofclaim 100, wherein the first and second legs are disposed on oppositessides of the throat.
 102. The clamping device of claim 100, wherein thefirst and second legs extend in a reentrant fashion and aresubstantially parallel with one another.
 103. The clamping device ofclaim 102, wherein the bar includes a first wall and a second wall, thefirst surface being defined on the first wall, the second surface beingdefined on the second wall, the first leg being spaced from the firstwall, the second leg being spaced from the second wall.
 104. Theclamping device of claim 102, wherein the bar includes a mounting wallinterposed between the first and second walls, the throat being formedin the mounting wall.
 105. The clamping device of claim 104, wherein thefirst and second legs extend from the mounting wall.
 106. The clampingdevice of claim 102, wherein the bar includes a first surface and asecond surface, and further includes at least a first engagement membermounted on the bar, the at least first engagement member including afirst edge and a second edge, the first edge protruding outwardly fromthe first surface, the second edge protruding outwardly from the secondsurface, the first edge forming the first protrusion, the second edgeforming the second protrusion.
 107. The clamping device of claim 106,wherein the first and second surfaces are opposite one another.
 108. Theclamping device of claim 107, wherein the first and second edges aresubstantially parallel with one another.
 109. The clamping device ofclaim 106, wherein the at least first engagement member is a firstgusset plate.
 110. The clamping device of claim 109, wherein a firstplane defined by the first gusset plate is oriented substantiallytransverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar.
 111. The clamping deviceof claim 109, wherein the first gusset plate includes an attachment holeformed therein.
 112. The clamping device of claim 109, wherein the firstgusset plate extends between the first and second sides.
 113. Theclamping device of claim 100, further comprising a auxiliary attachmentthat includes a mounting bolt, the mounting bolt being cooperable withthe first and second legs to resist movement of the mounting bolt withrespect to the bar.
 114. The clamping device of claim 113, wherein themounting bolt including a cross member and an extension member, theextension member extending substantially perpendicularly from the crossmember.
 115. The clamping device of claim 114, wherein the extensionmember extends between the first and second legs when the cross membercooperates with the first and second legs.
 116. The clamping device ofclaim 114, wherein the mounting bolt in a first orientation isreceivable between the first and second legs, and wherein the first andsecond legs resist the cross member from being received between thefirst and second legs when the mounting bolt in a second orientationrotated from the first orientation.
 117. The clamping device of claim113, wherein the mounting bolt is structured to cooperate with afastener to engage the mounting bolt with the legs.
 118. The clampingdevice of claim 117, wherein the fastener is a wedge bolt.
 119. Theclamping device of claim 117, wherein the fastener is threaded.
 120. Awall form structured to receive uncured concrete and to retain theconcrete therein during curing to form a cured concrete wall from whichthe wall form is substantially removable, the wall form comprising: apair of first modular form members; a pair of second modular formmembers; each of the first modular form members being formed with afirst indentation, each of the second modular form members being formedwith a second indentation; a first clamping device; a second clampingdevice; the first and second clamping devices each including anelongated bar, at least a first engagement member mounted on the bar,and at least a first clamp; each bar having a first surface and a secondsurface; each engagement member including a first edge and a secondedge, each first edge protruding outwardly from the first surface toform a first protrusion, each second edge protruding outwardly from thesecond surface to form a second protrusion; the first protrusion of thefirst clamping device being engaged with the first indentation of one ofthe first form members, the second protrusion of the first clampingdevice being engaged with the second indentation of one of the secondform members; the first protrusion of the second clamping device beingengaged with the first indentation of the other of the first formmembers, the second protrusion of the second clamping device beingengaged with the second indentation of the other of the second formmembers; each clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jawremovably engaging the first protrusion with the first indentation, thesecond jaw removably engaging the second protrusion with the secondindentation; and one of at least a first tie and a spanning memberextending between the first and second clamping devices.
 121. The wallform of claim 120, wherein the bars of the first and second clampingdevices each include a first end and a second end opposite one another,and wherein the bars each further comprise a connection member disposedon the bar, at least a portion of connection members protrudingoutwardly from the first ends of the bars.
 122. The wall form of claim121, wherein the connection members are each formed with a mountinghole, and in which the spanning member extends through the mountingholes and between the first and second clamping devices to resist thefirst and second clamping devices from moving farther away from oneanother than an initial distance.
 123. The wall form of claim 121,further comprising a third clamping device and a fourth clamping devicesimilar to the first and second clamping devices, and further comprisinga pair of third modular form members and a pair of fourth modular formmembers similar to the pairs of first and second modular form members,the third clamping device being engaged with one of each of the thirdand fourth modular form members in a fashion similar to the engagementof the first clamping device with one of each of the first and secondmodular form members, and the fourth clamping device being engaged withthe other of each of the third and fourth modular form members in afashion similar to the engagement of the second clamping device with theother of each of the first and second modular form members, and whereinthe bars of the first, second, third, and fourth clamping devices eachinclude a first wall, a second wall, and a facing wall connected withone another in a generally channel shaped configuration, with the first,second, and facing walls together defining a void extendingsubstantially throughout the longitudinal extent of the bar, theconnection members each having a cross section that is complementary tothe void and being disposed at least partially in the void at the firstend, the portion of the connection member protruding from the first endof the bar of the first clamping device being engaged in the void at thesecond end of the bar of the third clamping device to provide secureinter-engagement between the first and third clamping devices, and theportion of the connection member protruding from the first end of thebar of the second clamping device being engaged in the void at thesecond end of the bar of the fourth clamping device to provide secureinter-engagement between the second and fourth clamping devices. 124.The clamping device of claim 123, wherein the connection members of thefirst and second clamping devices each include a lock mechanism, thelock mechanism of the first clamping device releasably locking theconnection member of the first clamping device in the void of the thirdclamping device, and the lock mechanism of the second clamping devicereleasably locking the connection member of the second clamping devicein the void of the fourth clamping device.
 125. The clamping device ofclaim 124, wherein each lock mechanism includes a spring and a pin, thepins being biased by the springs, and wherein each bar is formed with apin hole adjacent the second end, the pin of the first clamping devicebeing removably engaged in the pin hole of the third clamping device,the pin of the second clamping device being removably engaged in the pinhole of the fourth clamping device.
 126. The clamping device of claim125, wherein the springs are generally U-shaped.
 127. The clampingdevice of claim 126, wherein the pins each include a beveled end. 128.The clamping device of claim 126, wherein the springs each include oneof an indentation and a tab formed thereon that is movable to disengagethe pin from the pin hole.
 129. The wall form of claim 120, furthercomprising an auxiliary attachment including a bracket and a mountingbolt, the mounting bolt being cooperable with the bar of the firstclamping device.
 130. The wall form of claim 129, wherein the bracketincludes an engagement plate formed with a thru-bore, the mounting boltextends through the thru-bore, and at least a portion of the engagementplate is removably engaged against the bar of the first clamping device.131. The wall form of claim 130, wherein the bracket includes a supportplate extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the bar.132. The wall form of claim 130, wherein the bracket includes at least afirst ear plate, and further comprising a support leg operativelyengaged with the at least first ear plate.
 133. The wall form of claim129, wherein the auxiliary attachment is continuously repositionablealong longitudinal portions of the bar.
 134. The wall form of claim 120,wherein the bars are each formed with at least a first tie holeextending therethrough and each include at least a first tie clip formedwith an opening, and wherein the tie is at least partially received inthe at least first tie holes and the openings and extends between thefirst and second clamping devices to retain the first and secondclamping devices a fixed distance apart from one another.